You are voluntarily choosing to use Emergency Contraception to prevent an unintended pregnancy following unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception may be pills (ECP) or insertion of a Copper bearing IUD. This method should be started as soon as possible and within 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse. ECPs are 74 percent to 89 percent effective when used correctly. Another prescription method of emergency contraception, Ulipristal Acetate (UPA), 30 mg pill taken within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.
You may experience the following side effects:
- Nausea, stomach pain
- Headaches, dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Menstrual cycle changes
You have been instructed to consider other methods of contraception for use. Some contraceptive methods can be started immediately after taking certain types of ECP. You have received information on other methods of birth control.
You have been given a fact sheet on ECPs, along with instructions about how to take them. No guarantee has been made as to the results of using this method. Certain anti-seizure medications may affect how well your ECP works.
Emergency contraception does not protect you against STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and HIV.
Complications of ECPs are rare. If you do experience complications, you will need to seek emergency health care.
The ECPs are to be taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. They are to be used as an emergency measure and are not recommended as a routine method of birth control. The Copper IUD may be used as emergency contraception or used for routine method of birth control.
You may ask questions about ECPs at any time and may contact the clinic with further questions.