Emergency Contraception Pills
a.k.a. Plan B
Overview: EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS (ECPs) are a method of birth control that can prevent pregnancy after sex by temporarily stopping an egg from being released, stopping fertilization of the egg, or stopping a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus. ECPs are more effective the sooner after sex they are taken , and need to be started within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex to avoid possible pregnancy. ECPs are not abortion pills, and do not work if already pregnant. ECPs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
It is appropriate to use ECPs if unprotected sex has occured in the last 3 days. This can include times when no form of birth control was used, the condom broke, the diaphragm slipped, 3 or more birth control pills were missed or started late, the patch fell off, the ring fell out, or the birth control shot was missed.
The correct use of ECPs within 72 hours is 89% effective. The risk of pregnancy from a single act of unprotected midcycle intercourse (2 weeks before the next period is due) is 20-30%. The risk of pregnancy from a single act of intercourse at other times of the cycle is 2-4%.
Directions are to take 2 ECP tablets right away at the same time OR take 1 ECP right away and 1 ECP 12 hours later. If the menstrual period does not start within 21 days after treatment, a health care provider should be sought for evaluation and pregnancy test.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: The Health Care Professionals at Thielen Student Health Center can help you decide if an ECP is appropriate for you.
ECP product available without a prescription:
Plan B
Last update: 26 Feb 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
