Emergency Birth Control (Emergency Contraception): What to Know
Emergency birth control, also called emergency contraception, is a birth control method that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency birth control may be recommended:
Emergency birth control is most effective if used as soon as possible after sex. It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Do not use emergency birth control as your only form of birth control.
Types of emergency birth control
Emergency birth control must be used as soon as possible after having unprotected sex and within 5 days after sex. The sooner you use emergency birth control after unprotected sex, the more effective it is. The following types of emergency birth control are available:
- Hormonal pills that have a chemical called a hormone in them that prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg and preventing fertilization of an egg. There are two types of hormonal pills:
A non-hormonal pill that works by preventing progesterone from having its normal effect on ovulation and the lining of the uterus. A prescription for this medicine is usually required.
A non-hormonal medical device that is put into your uterus. This is called a copper intrauterine device (IUD). The copper in the IUD causes the sperm to be less able to fertilize the egg. A health care provider must put in the IUD.
Most types of emergency birth control pills are available without a prescription or a visit with your provider. If you are younger than 17 years old, you may need a prescription. Talk with your pharmacist about your options.
Side effects
Ask your provider about the possible side effects of emergency birth control. Side effects may include:
If you take emergency birth control pills while you're pregnant, it will not end your pregnancy or harm your baby.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take your medicines only as told.
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Eat something before taking the emergency birth control pills to help prevent feeling like you may throw up.
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If you feel tired or dizzy, rest until you feel better.
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If you used a hormonal emergency birth control pill, continue using your normal method of birth control. Be sure to use a barrier method of birth control, such as condoms, for at least 7 days.
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If you used the non-hormonal emergency birth control pill, do not go back to your normal hormonal birth control pills for at least 5 days after taking the emergency birth control. Be sure to use a barrier method, such as a condom, until the next menstrual period.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You throw up within 3 hours after taking a pill. You may need to take another pill.
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You have a very bad headache.
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You have bleeding from your vagina that doesn't stop.
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It has been 21 days since you took an emergency birth control pill and you haven't had a period.
These symptoms may be an emergency. Call 911 right away.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.