Emergency Birth Control

Emergency birth control is basically a method that does not replace regular birth control methods. It is an emergency option to avoid pregnancy when a woman's regular birth control method failed, if unprotected intercourse occurred or when a woman is raped or sexually assaulted.

Progestin-only contraceptive pills are usually given to women who are seeking immediate solution to prevent pregnancy. This type of pill is also recommended to rape or sexual assault victims.

Other common names used for emergency birth control are “EC”, “Post-coital contraception” or “morning-after” (pills). These medications should be taken accordingly as prescribed to ensure effectiveness.

Emergency birth control works by preventing ovulation or the release of female egg/s and by preventing the male’s sperm from reaching and/or penetrating the egg.

Types of emergency birth control

There are three types of emergency birth control:

• Progestin-only pills – Recommendable for women who want immediate birth control solution. Also recommendable [as mentioned earlier] for victims of sexual assault and rape.
• Estrogen and Progestin pill [combination pill] – The most common birth control pill used by most women. It is taken daily and on the same time each day to maximize its effect.
• IUD or intrauterine device – IUD is a small T-shaped device which is inserted into a woman’s vagina, up to the cervix. It is position into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It also has a string attached at the end or tail of the IUD and it hangs down from the upper part of the woman's vagina in order for the doctor to locate and remove it easily.

IUD releases hormones if it is made of plastic or copper if it has copper on it. The hormones are released slowly into the uterus while the device is in there. The copper stops the sperm from penetrating the female egg if this is the type of IUD used.

When is the right time to take emergency birth control?

It is advisable to take emergency birth control immediately after the unprotected intercourse has occurred. The progestin-only birth control usually has two tablets. The first tablet must be taken right away, and the next tablet after 12 hours.

Progestin-only pills, such as Plan B, are effective for up to 72 hours (3 days). Other type of emergency birth control pills can be taken for up to 5 days to maximize the effect. Of course, it is still best to take the emergency birth control pill within 24 hours after the unprotected intercourse occurred.

If in case the unprotected intercourse passed more than 72 hours, it is recommended to use IUD or as prescribed by your doctor. Contraceptive pills may fail if taken after more than 72 hours.

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