The Emergency Contraceptive
Pill (ECP)
• Back to Birth
Control
The "ECP" (also known as
the morning after pill) is a larger, double dose of female hormones (estrogen and/or
progesterone). Ovral oral contraceptive is the most commonly used pill. It is used to
prevent (or reduce) the possibility of conception.
When Do You Use the ECP?
It is used as an emergency method for a woman whose birth control failed (such as the
condom broke, the diaphragm dislodged, IUD expelled or pills were missed); or intercourse
was unplanned or forced within the past 120 hours (5days). It is not effective for another act of
unprotected intercourse earlier or later in the cycle.
How Does the ECP Work?
If taken within 120 hours (5days) after unprotected intercourse this medication may prevent a
pregnancy. The sooner it is taken the more effective it is.
The ECP Works by:
- Temporarily disrupting ovarian
hormone production - may prevent the release of an egg.
- Could change the lining tissue of
the uterus and therefore may prevent the egg (ovum) from attaching and developing.
How is it Taken?
- Take two prescribed pills as soon
as possible (ideally within 120 hours (5days) after unprotected intercourse).
- Take two more pills exactly 12
hours after the first two pills.
Possible Side Effects: Minor
Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting; taking
medication with food and using anti-nausea pills like Gravol may help; if vomiting
occurs within one hour of taking the pills, contact the Health Unit in your area or go
to Emergency at the nearest hospital. Your pills may not be working.
- Diarrhea, spotting, vaginal
bleeding or mild cramping may last several days.
- Breast tenderness.
Serious Side Effects: (Rare)
If you develop any of the serious
side effects or if the minor ones persist, contact the Health Unit Clinic in your area, a
hospital emergency department, or your doctor as soon as possible.
- Abdominal pain-severe
- Chest pain, cough
- Headaches (severe or different
than usual)
- Vision/Eye problems (vision loss, numbness, blurring)
- Severe leg pain
How Effective is the ECP?
- In a Cross-Canada study, ECP was
found to be between 75% and 98% effective when taken within 120 hours
(5days).
When should you Expect Your Period?
- You should get your period at the
expected time or 21 days after taking the ECP. (This is not the light bleeding you may
get after taking the pills).
- UNPROTECTED SEX IS NOT
RECOMMENDED. If you have sex use condoms and spermicide.
What if Your Period Doesn't Come?
- Return to clinic or go to a
doctor for a pregnancy test if your period does not start within 3 weeks. If you are
pregnant - options will be discussed. There is no evidence that ECP would be harmful
to the baby.
Instructions for using
emergency contraception
First Dose:
Take 1 Gravol at ____________
Take 2 ECP at ____________
Second Dose (12
hours later):
Take 1 Gravol at ____________
Take 2 ECP at ____________
Emergency contraceptive pills are
meant for emergency protection. They are not an effective form of birth control. Discuss
possible birth control options with the clinic nurse.
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