Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPS) Click to Begin

ECPS What they Do  This is a hormonal contraceptive.  The pills either keep the ovary from releasing an egg or change the lining of the uterus in such a way that the fertilized egg may not attach and develop into a pregnancy. Birth control pills taken in a special prescribed way that can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Click to Continue

How Well They Work  Out of 100 women who have unprotected sex during the fertile time of their cycle, less than 8 will become pregnant. Main Advantages  These pills can be taken up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex. ECPS Click to Continue

ECPS Who Can Use Them?  Women at risk for accidental pregnancy; for example if a condom breaks, if a woman is raped or if she has unprotected sex.  There should not be other instances of unprotected sex during that menstrual cycle. Click to Continue How Are They Used?  A special combination of birth control pills is taken as soon as possible after a single act of unprotected vaginal intercourse.  The series of pills must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of that intercourse.

ECPS Possible Problems  Nausea and/or vomiting, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, and headache may occur.  The same type of rare but serious problems or complications that can occur with the use of birth control pills might be possible. Click to Continue Warning Signals  Not having a period within 3 weeks after taking ECPS could indicate a pregnancy.  Any of the warning signals listed for birth control pills.

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