EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Use Emergency Contraception if:

• The condom broke or slipped off
• You had unprotected sex
• You forgot to take your birth control pill
• You were forced to have unprotected sex

How EC Works
Emergency contraception pills are two special doses of birth control pills. You may be given regular pill packs or pills packaged just for EC. Some healthcare providers will want to take your medical history before giving you the medication. Some may ask for your consent by signature or verbally over the phone.

The pills either keep the ovary from releasing an egg or change the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg may not attach and develop into a pregnancy. EC does not cause abortion. Currently there is no reason to believe that EC pills will harm a fetus. However, it is advised that you not use EC if you are pregnant.

FAQ About EC
Can I use EC as birth control?
No. It should only be used in an emergency. It is not as effective as a regular birth control method.

Does EC cause an abortion?
EC does not cause abortion. It works to prevent ovulation or to prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus. It's not the same as RU-486 (the "abortion pill").

If I take EC and I'm pregnant, will it hurt the fetus?
Studies have shown that taking EC pills won't hurt the fetus. Having an IUD inserted could cause miscarriage, so your clinician should have you take a pregnancy test before putting in an IUD for EC.

Does EC protect me against sexually transmitted infections (STI's)?
No. To reduce the risk of STIs and HIV, you need to use a condom and spermicides every time you have sex.

For more information about EC, please click here.