Facts About Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception

"Emergency contraception" is used when other methods of birth control have failed, i.e. breaking of a condom, missed oral contraceptives, sexual assault, or following unprotected intercourse. It is imperative that it be administered within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, "the sooner the better". Emergency contraception, "Plan B" is available at WLU through Health Services on a cost recovery basis. Plan B is also available at pharmacies for approx $30.00

Effectiveness:

• Clinical studies show that when used correctly, "Plan B" prevents 89% of pregnancies that would occur if no action were taken.
• You should not delay starting treatment. "Plan B" is more effective the sooner you start taking the tablets after unprotected intercourse.
• If used routinely, Emergency Contraception will be less effective than most other contraceptives (e.g. pills, IUDs, injectables). It should not be relied on for routine birth control by sexually active women.

Precautions:

• Women who are already pregnant should not take "Plan B". "Plan B" can not terminate an existing pregnancy. The treatment is only effective if used if used in the first few days following unprotected sex.
• "Plan B" provides NO protection against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• "Plan B" provides only short-term protection against pregnancy. Sexual activity that takes place later can still result in pregnancy if no contraceptive is used. You must abstain from sex or use another reliable contracptive method until your next normal period to make sure you do not get pregnant.

Side Effects:

"Plan B" causes temporary side effects in some users. Nausea, headache, fatigue and low abdominal pain are the most common. Dizziness, breast tenderness, vomitting and diarrhea may also occur. If symptoms persist for more than two days, contact your health care provider.

"Plan B" and the Menstrual Cycle:

Although the risk of pregnancy is highest in the middle of the menstrual cycle (possibly as early as day 10 after the beginning of your last period), pregnancy can occur at other times during your menstrual cycle. "Plan B" can be administered anytime during your monthly cycle if you are worried about an unwanted pregnancy.

• The treatment does not bring on menstruation.
• You may experience spotting a few days after taking "Plan B", but this is not a period.
• Your next menstrual period should come on time (or a few days early or late).
• If your period is delayed more than a week, or if you have any other cause for concern, talk to your health care provider.
• Overdosage can increase side effects and may cause menstrual cycle disturbances.

How does "Plan B" work?

Studies indicate that "Plan B" acts as an emergency contraceptive by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary, or preventing sperm and egg from uniting. In addition, "Plan B" may prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus. "Plan B" is not effective once a pregnancy has started, that is once the fertilized egg has attached to the wall of the uterus. How to use "Plan B""Plan B" is dispensed through Health Services. It is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a physician. In certain circumstances the nurse may dispense emergency contraception is no physician is present. Treatment entails taking the first tablet as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The second tablet is swallowed 12 hours later. Call your doctor immediately if any of the following serious adverse effects occur:

• itching all over your body
• cramping or severe pain in your stomach or belly prior to your next period.