What is the Emergency Contraceptive Pill?
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is an emergency method of birth control.
It is a certain type of birth control pill that can prevent pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex.
How Does It Work?
ECP stop the fertilized egg (an egg that has joined with a sperm) from attaching to the wall of the uterus (womb).
It must be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
How Well Does It Work?
It is highly effective, however, there is a slight chance that it may not prevent pregnancy.
It will not interrupt a pregnancy from earlier sexual contact.
What Are The Side Effects?
nausea and/or vomiting
you may notice spotting (a light bleeding between periods) in the next few days
most women have no side-effects.
What Are The Risks?
- you have almost no risk if you do not smoke.
- smoking may increase the risk of blood clots.
- blood clots are very rare - the signs are:
- severe pain in your stomach, chest, head or leg
- trouble breathing
- double or blurry eyesight
Immediately report any of these signs to your doctor or nearest hospital.
When Will I Get My Period?
- your period should start when you expect it to.
- you may experience spotting (light bleeding between periods), but this is not your period.
- the emergency contraceptive pill does not bring on your period.
Call us if:
you do not get your period within 2 weeks
your period is much lighter that usual
you think you might be pregnant
you want to talk with someone.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills are for emergencies. Ask us about a birth control method that is right for you.
If you plan to take the Birth Control Pill, start them the first Sunday after your next period begins.
Remember: The Emergency Contraceptive Pill does not protect you from pregnancy for the rest of your cycle. You must use birth control.
For more information contact Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 ext. 5901 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca
Adapted with permission for Elgin – St. Thomas Health Unit.