| Emergency Contraception | | Print | |
What It IsEmergency Contraception (EC), is a method of birth control that a woman can use after the act of intercourse to prevent pregnancy. EC can be used after you have had unprotected sex or sex with a method failing (such as a condom breaking) to prevent you from becoming pregnant. Tapestry Health provides EC in the form of hormone-containing pills known as "Plan B". Plan B consists of two progestin-only pills. Plan B is up to 89% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. It is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception cannot harm or stop an established pregnancy and is not the same drug as the abortion pill (Mifeprex or RU-486). EC is commonly used in the aftermath of a sexual assault to prevent pregnancy. EC is now available over-the-counter for women and men age 18 and older. If you are 18 or older, you can purchase EC at any Tapestry Health site at a reduced cost and without a patient visit. All that is needed is a valid photo ID. For women under age 18, EC remains available at all sites at a reduced cost on a walk-in basis, but requires a brief patient visit. How it worksEC works in a few different ways depending on where you are in your menstual cycle. EC can work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from your ovary. It can also change the way the egg moves down the fallopian tube. EC can make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg, and can change the uterine lining to make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to a uterus lining.How to use ECTake both pills at the same time. Take EC within five days or 120 hours after unprotected sex. If you are going to be sexually active after taking EC, an ongoing method of birth control (such as condoms, pills, the ring, the patch, or a diaphragm) is recommended.Side EffectsSome women experience changes with their period after taking EC, and some women will get their period a few days earlier or a few days later than expected. If you do not get your period with in the next four weeks after take EC, Tapestry Health encourages you to return to a clinic for a pregnancy test.Where to Get ECYou can get EC at any Tapestry Health clinic location without an appointment. Women (and men) over the age of 18 can get EC at Tapestry Health and pharmacies with out a prescription by showing photo identification and date of birth. You may also look online to get a list of EC providers in your area. If you think you might need an advance prescription, contact a Tapestry Health location. You can also get a prescription by visiting a Web site like www.getthepill.com or www.virtualmedicalgroup.com. Or, you can call the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE to get a list of EC providers near you. How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDSEC does not protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. Latex condoms have been proven to be effective in preventing certain infections including HIV. Tapestry Health encourages latex condoms as opposed to lambskin condoms for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. If you have any questions about EC, or about birth control in general, contact a Tapestry Health location. |
