Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP)

If you've had sex in the last 3 days and:

• you didn't use any birth control
• the condom broke
• you missed 2 or more birth control pills or you started your pill pack late
• your diaphragm slipped
• you missed your birth control shot
• you were forced to have sex

There's still time to prevent a pregnancy by using the method called Emergency Contraceptive pills, or ECP. ECP are ordinary birth control pills taken in special doses within 3 days after sexual intercourse. They reduce your chance of getting pregnant by 89%. THEY ARE NOT ABORTION PILLS, as it will only stop a pregnancy before it happens, and do not work if you are already pregnant.

How It Works

• Must call your regular health care provider or local community health clinic as soon as possible.
• Prevents pregnancy by temporarily stopping eggs from being produced.
• Will not work if already pregnant, as they cannot stop an exsisting pregnancy.

How It's Used

• Pills are taken in special doses within 3 days of sexual intercourse.

Benefits

• Prevents a pregnancy from happening if it hasn't already happened.

Concerns

• Some women have minor side effects that only lasts a day or so. Some women feel sick to their stomach and possibly throw up. Others may have sore breasts or headaches. ECP's can cause your next period to come a little early or late.
• Does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other STD's.

*Information from the Department of Health Family Planning Services Section.