List of Common Emergency Contraceptive Options
| Generic name | Common Proprietary Names | Prescription required? | Dose regimen |
| Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, one tablet regime ... | AfterPill Athentia Next Econtra EZ Fallb ... | No. Available to men and women regardles ... | Take one tablet as soon as possible afte ... |
| Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg, two tablet regim ... | Next Choice and Plan B (and generics) no ... | A two tablet regimen. | The first tablet should be taken as soon ... |
| Ulipristal | ella | Yes. Prescription required from health c ... | Take tablet as soon as possible or up to ... |
| Copper IUD | ParaGard T 380A | Yes. Insertion and removal required from ... | Inserted by a healthcare provider up to ... |
How often can you take the emergency contraceptive pill?
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill in advance of having unprotected sex if:
- you're worried about your contraceptive method failing
- you're going on holiday
- you can't get hold of emergency contraception easily
What is the best emergency contraception?
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) come to one’s rescue in effectively ... case before the completion of 24 hours after having unprotected sex. Though it works best when taken at the earliest, it does not mean that it is a waste if taken post 24 hours.
What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?
What Are the Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills? Contraceptive pills are safe, but they can cause side effects. They include nausea, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, headaches, and irregular menstruation. Your healthcare provider can discuss these and any other risks with you.
Is the emergency contraception pill really effective?
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure or a sexual assault. It is frequently referred to as “ The Morning After Pill ”; however, women do not need to wait till the morning after to take the ECP.
Which pill is best for emergency contraception?
The emergency contraceptive pill regimens recommended by WHO are ulipristal acetate, levonorgestrel, or combined oral contraceptives (COCs) consisting of ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel.
What are the 4 types of emergency contraceptives?
The different types of emergency contraception include Ella, Plan B, birth control pills, and the copper IUD. To choose the best type of emergency contraception for you, it's important to consider how long it has been since you had unprotected sex, your weight, and if you need a prescription.
What are the pills to avoid pregnancy after 72 hours?
I-Pill is used as an emergency contraceptive tablet in the event of unsafe intercourse or failure of contraception, to avoid unintended pregnancy. Within 24-72 hours after having unprotected sex, the emergency contraceptive pill must be taken.
What is the most common emergency contraception?
The most commonly used oral emergency contraceptive regimen is the progestin-only pill, which consists of 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel Table 1. This product can be purchased over the counter and is available without age restriction as of 2013.
Can salt and water prevent pregnancy?
Salt and Water commonly used as emergency contraception by our study group said to be taken within 5 min of unprotected sex has not been shown by any study to be effective in preventing pregnancy.
Is Ampiclox a contraceptive?
There is crucial and urgent need to halt the ongoing widespread reliance and use of ampicillin‐cloxacillin (Ampiclox®) as an emergency contraceptive among young women in Nigeria. One capsule of branded ampicillin‐cloxacillin taken after unprotected sex is misconstrued to be effective against conception.
How many days after my period can I get pregnant?
Most women have a 28-day menstrual cycle. That means you have about 6 days each month when you can get pregnant. That includes the day that one of your ovaries releases an egg, called ovulation, and the 5 days before. Having sex within that window is key.
How many days after period can you not get pregnant?
There is no absolutely "safe" time of the month when a woman can have sex without contraception and not risk becoming pregnant. However, there are times in the menstrual cycle when women may be most fertile and are most likely to conceive. The fertile days may last for up to 3-5 days after the end of your period.
How many days does postinor 2 works in the body?
One type, levonorgestrel (e.g. Lydia PostPil or Postinor 2), works best up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex but will reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
What is the morning after pill?
Starting an oral contraceptive too late in your cycle. A sexual assault or sex against your will. Oral forms of emergency contraception may be referred to as “ The Morning After Pill ”; however, women do not need to wait till the morning after to take the ECP.
What is a copper IUD?
A copper IUD (intrauterine device) may also be used for emergency contraception if it is inserted by a trained health professional within 5 days of having unprotected sex. In the U.S. the device is called ParaGard T 380A and consists of copper wound around a small T-shaped device.
How much does ella cost?
Through an online prescription service, ella costs around $67. Ulipristal ECPs should be taken within 5 days of having unprotected sex. A copper IUD (intrauterine device) may also be used for emergency contraception if it is inserted by a trained health professional within 5 days of having unprotected sex.
How long after sex can you take Progestin?
Progestin ECPs. Should be taken as soon as possible but can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having sex (98% effective). Some studies have shown moderate efficacy still exists if taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex; however, this is less than ulipristal.
How does ulipristal help with pregnancy?
Taken as one tablet (30mg) of ulipristal. Prevent pregnancy by blocking the natural hormone progesterone from occupying its receptor site in the body. Inhibits or delays ovulation and may also alter the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation.
Can ulipristal be given twice?
Should not be used by girls who have not yet started their periods or by postmenopausal women. Should not be given twice in the same menstrual cycle.
Do ECPs protect against HIV?
ECPs do not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). See your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to an STI. Some drugs or herbal products may decrease the effectiveness of ECPs. Copper IUDs have been associated with more painful and heavier periods in some women.
How does an emergency contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy?
Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation and they do not induce an abortion. The copper-bearing IUD prevents fertilization by causing a chemical change in sperm and egg before they meet. Emergency contraception cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.
How long after sex can you use emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. These are recommended for use within 5 days but are more effective the sooner they are used after the act of intercourse.
How many doses of ECPs are there?
Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) and combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) WHO recommends any of the following drugs for emergency contraception: ECPs with UPA, taken as a single dose of 30 mg; ECPs with LNG taken as a single dose of 1.5 mg, or alternatively, LNG taken in 2 doses of 0.75 mg each, 12 hours apart.
What is the pregnancy rate for ECPs with UPA?
A meta-analysis of two studies showed that women who used ECPs with UPA had a pregnancy rate of 1.2%. Studies have shown that ECPs with LNG had a pregnancy rate of 1.2% to 2.1% (1) (2).
How long after a pregnancy can you take EC?
Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent up to over 95% of pregnancies when taken within 5 days after intercourse. EC can be used in the following situations: unprotected intercourse, concerns about possible contraceptive failure, incorrect use of contraceptives, and sexual assault if without contraception coverage.
What are the side effects of ECP?
Side effects from the use of ECPs are similar to those of oral contraceptive pills, such as nausea and vomiting, slight irregular vaginal bleeding, and fatigue. Side effects are not common, they are mild, and will normally resolve without further medications.
How long after taking a minipill can I take a progesterone pill?
more than 3 hours late from the usual time of intake of the progestogen-only pill (minipill), or more than 27 hours after the previous pill; more than 12 hours late from the usual time of intake of the desogestrel-containing pill (0.75 mg) or more than 36 hours after the previous pill;
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception consists of methods that can be used by women after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception methods have varying ranges of effectiveness depending on the method and timing of administration. Four options are available in the United States: the Cu-IUD and three types of ECPs.
How long does it take to vomit after taking ECP?
Vomiting Within 3 Hours of Taking ECPs. Another dose of ECP should be taken as soon as possible. Use of an antiemetic should be considered. Comments and Evidence Summary. Many women do not experience nausea or vomiting when taking ECPs, and predicting which women will experience nausea or vomiting is difficult.
Is levonorgestrel less effective than UPA?
The levonorgestrel formulation might be less effective than UPA among obese women ( 286 ). Two studies of UPA use found consistent decreases in pregnancy rates when administered within 120 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse ( 284, 287 ). Five studies found that the levonorgestrel and combined regimens decreased risk for pregnancy through ...
Does levonorgestrel affect emergency contraception?
No concern exists that administering combined estrogen and progestin or levonorgestrel formulations of ECPs concurrently with systemic hormonal contraception decreases the effectiveness of either emergency or regular contraceptive methods because these formulations do not have antiprogestin properties like UPA.
Why do we need emergency contraception?
There are many valid reasons why emergency contraception may be needed. Some of these reasons include: When a contraceptive method was desired but not used. If there is a contraceptive failure, for example: a condom broke, a diaphragm, or cervical cap breakage, or a barrier contraceptive slippage.
How much does a levonorgestrel cost?
Prices will vary, but in general the cash price (with discount coupon) of one regimen of over-the-counter levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill runs between $15 and $70 per package. Generics are typically less expensive, and you can ask your pharmacist if a lower cost option is available.
How long after sex can you take levonorgestrel?
The levonorgestrel 1.5 mg emergency contraceptive pill should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
How long does a copper IUD last?
Also, the copper IUD can last for up to 10 years. Talk to your healthcare provider how weight might affect your use of emergency contraceptive pills.
How does Levonorgestrel prevent pregnancy?
Levonorgestrel, the medication found in Plan B One Step, Take Action, Next Choice One Dose, My Way and other levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying the release of the egg from the ovary.
How long does it take for a woman to vomit after taking ulipristal?
Vomiting may also occur in about 4% of women. If vomiting should occur within 3 hours of taking ulipristal (ella) or 2 hours of taking levonorgestrel emergency contraception (Plan B One Step and others), contact your healthcare provider as a repeat dose may be needed. You may also need an anti-nausea medication.
How effective is copper IUD?
It is a hormone-free option. The copper IUD works by making sperm less able to fertilize the women's egg or stops the egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus.
How long after sex can you take an emergency pill?
Option 2: Take an emergency contraception pill (AKA the morning-after pill) within 120 hours (five days) after having unprotected sex. There are 2 types of morning-after pills: A pill with ulipristal acetate. There’s only one brand, called ella. ella is the most effective type of morning-after pill. You need a prescription from a nurse ...
What is the best pill for morning after?
There’s only one brand, called ella. ella is the most effective type of morning-after pill. You need a prescription from a nurse or doctor to get ella emergency contraception, but you can get a fast medical consultation and prescription with next-day delivery online.
How to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex?
There are 2 ways to prevent pregnancy after you have unprotected sex: Option 1: Get a Paragard (copper) IUD within 120 hours (five days) after having unprotected sex. This is the most effective type of emergency contraception. The copper IUD works as well on day one as it does on day five. Option 2: Take an emergency contraception pill (AKA ...
Why is the morning after pill so expensive?
This is because: The morning-after pill doesn’t prevent pregnancy as well as other types of birth control like the IUD, implant, pill, shot, or ring. Taking the morning-after pill over and over again is usually more expensive and less convenient than being on a regular method of birth control.
How long after sex can you use contraception?
You can use emergency contraception up to five days ( 120 hours) after unprotected sex. So it’s important to act quickly so you have the best options possible. It can take time to get emergency contraception, so the sooner you start looking for it, the better.
Is it safe to take morning after pills?
Morning-after pills are safe — millions of people have used different kinds of emergency contraception for more than 30 years. There have been no reports of serious complications. Morning-after pills don’t cause any long-term side effects, and they won’t change your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Is it safe to have emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. There are a few types of emergency contraception, and some work better than others.
When to take emergency contraceptives?
Emergency contraceptives are contraceptives that are taken (or inserted if a copper IUD) within a few days after unprotected sex to help prevent implantation of a fertilized egg and a possible resulting pregnancy.
What are contraceptives used for?
Contraceptives are mostly used to help prevent women from becoming pregnant. Some hormonal contraceptives may also be prescribed to: Help with acne control. Help regulate periods. Prevent ovulation and pregnancy in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) Reduce pain and cramping during menstruation.
What is a combination of estrogen and progestin called?
Hormonal contraceptives that contain both an estrogen and progestin are called combined oral contraceptives (COCs). Those that contain just progestin are called progestin-only contraceptives (POPs). COCs prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the normal process of ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and by altering the lining of the uterus ...
What is the difference between hormonal and nonhormonal contraceptives?
The main difference is that some contain hormones whereas others do not. Hormone-containing contraceptives have more side effects than nonhormonal contraceptives. Some combined hormonal contraceptives also contain supplements such as iron or folic acid.
What is the name of the medication that is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy?
Contraceptives are the name given to medicines and other devices that are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptives may also be referred to as birth control. Hormonal contraceptives consist of one or more synthetic female sex hormones. Hormonal contraceptives that contain both an estrogen and progestin are called combined oral ...
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Serious side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives include: 1 Blurred vision 2 Chest pain and an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke 3 Leg pain or swelling 4 A severe headache 5 Severe stomach pain.
Why can't women use COCs?
COCs should NOT be used in women aged over 35 years who smoke because they are at higher risk of serious side effects such as heart attack, blood clots, or stroke. Certain medications and some supplements can make hormonal contraceptives less effective.