Reasons for use
As means to prevent pregnancy if you have had sexual intercourse and:
- You forgot to take your birth control pills, insert your ring, get your shot, or apply patch.
- The condom broke or came off
- You weren’t using any form of birth control
- You were forced to have sex
Effectiveness
- The overall effectiveness is reported as 89% for a single act of unprotected sex if taken within 72 hours. The sooner you take emergency contraceptive after intercourse, the better your chances it will work. Approximately one in 100 women will still become pregnant after taking emergency contraceptives.
- You will need to use another birth control method if you have sex any time before your next period starts. Emergency contraceptives do not protect against pregnancy during the rest of your cycle.
- Emergency contraceptives will not work if you are already pregnant.
- Other prescribed birth control methods, when used correctly and consistently, are more effective in preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives should not be used as regular birth control.
- Emergency contraceptives do not prevent or protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
How it Works
Prevents pregnancy in one of the following ways:
- Stops or delays release of an egg (ovulation)
- Blocks fertilization by affecting the egg or sperm
- Preventing implantation of fertilized egg to lining of uterus
What to Expect
- Your next period may be earlier or later than usual
- Your flow may be heavier, lighter, more spotty, or the same as usual.
- Contact your healthcare provider if your period is more than a week late or if you have symptoms of pregnancy.