Emergency contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Some are available over the counter for women over the age of seventeen.
Types
There are two types of emergency contraceptives: pills or an intrauterine device. Emergency contraceptive pills, also called the morning after pill, are available over the counter for women over seventeen. The other option, by prescription only, is an intrauterine device that is inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist. Either method may prevent pregnancy if used within five days after sex.
Function
Both the morning after pill and the intrauterine device contain the hormone progestin. This hormone helps to prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation, blocking sperm from fertilizing the egg, or preventing implantation in the uterus.
Effects
The morning after pill may cause nausea, vomiting, breast soreness and headache. Since the intrauterine device can be left in the uterus as a long-term method of birth control, it can have more lasting side effects on menstruation such as heavy bleeding.
Missed Dose
The dosing regimen for emergency contraceptive pills is typically two pills twelve hours apart. The Association of Reproductive Professionals notes that there is no harm if the second dose is taken too early or slightly late. A newer version of the morning after pill, approved in July 2009, is given as just one dose.
Menstrual Cycle
Typically, individuals who have taken the morning after pill will have a normal period the following month. Some experience a slight change in the length of the menstrual cycle but if a period is more than a week late, women should take a pregnancy test.
