The UIC Wellness Center: The Emergency Contraception Pill

part of Student Development Services
University of Illinois at Chicago


	The Emergency Contraception Pill What is the emergency contraception pill? How does the emergency contraception pill work? What are the side effects? Will it effect my next menstrual period? What is the effective window of time? How many pills are there? Where can I go to get emercency contraception? Do I need a prescription? How much does the emergency contraception pill cost? Do my parents need to know? Why do they make me take a pregnancy test? Some important phone numbers and web sites Click here to read viewer questions about the emergency contraception pill Q. What is the emergency contraception pill? A. The emergency contraception pill (ECP) is a set of pills, usually two to four that contain high amounts of synthetic hormones. These pills are generally taken 72 hours, or 3 days, after one incidence of unprotected sex. The ECP is NOT RU-486 or an abortion pill. This pill is only taken if the woman is certain she is not pregnant from another incidence of unprotected sex, and will only have an effect on the woman if the unprotected sex has happened within the past three to five days. The ECP is also not meant to be used as a normal contraception method, as the high dosages of hormones may affect your body negatively. If you find yourself using the ECP often, you may want to talk to your clinician about getting on a regular form of birth control (such as the Pill or Depo-Provera, for example). Top Q. How does the emergency contraception pill work? A. The ECP works in two ways. The pill may keep your ovary from releasing an egg, which will prevent fertilization. The pill may also change your uterine lining so that, in the event that an egg is fertilized, it will not be able to implant on the uterine wall, which is generally necessary for pregnancy to continue. The ECP may not prevent an ectopic pregnancy, which is pregnancy outside of the uterus. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancies include sharp pain on either or both sides of your abdomen, abdominal pain and spotting, after a light or missed period, and feeling faint or dizzy. If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, visit your clinician immediately, as an ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening matter. Top Q. What are the side effects? A. The most common side effect is nausea, which affects about half of the women who take the ECP. About one in three women will vomit. Other side effects may include breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, and headaches. Discuss potential side effects and ways to alleviate those effects with your clinician. If you decide to take an anti-nausea medication, be sure to speak with your clinician first, as it is not advisable to mix medications. Top Q. Will it effect my next menstrual period? A. Your next period may be earlier or later, heavier or lighter, or spotty. The ECP affects every woman differently. If you do not get your next period within three weeks of taking the ECP, or you begin to show signs of pregnancy, please visit a clinician to take a pregnancy test. If you see a clinician before you get your next period, don’t forget to tell them that you have taken the ECP during this menstrual cycle. Top Q. What is the effective window of time? A. If taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, the ECP can reduce the chance of pregnancy by 70-80%. After 72 hours, the effectiveness decreases. Top Q. How many pills are there? A. “Mini-pills” are progestin-only and the package typically contains two pills. One is taken as soon as possible, and the next is taken 12 hours later. Mini-pills can also be taken at the same time, if the sequence is inconvenient; however, you may want to speak with your clinician about the sequence and read the instructions thoroughly. The most common mini-pill is Plan B. “Combination pills” are progestin and estrogen. The package typically contains four pills; two are taken as soon as possible, and the other two are taken 12 hours later. The most common combination pill is Preven. Top Q. Where can I go to get emergency contraception? A. Planned Parenthood, UIC Family Medicine, perhaps even your own doctor or gynecologist (but call ahead to be certain). Many Chicago public clinics also offer the ECP. Top Q. Do I need a prescription? A. Yes. The ECP is not sold over the counter. Planned Parenthood has a program that starts with your initial consult and purchase of the ECP. You then have an active prescription with Planned Parenthood for a year. If you need to go get the ECP again within the year, you will only have to pay for the pill itself, which is $17 (only with Planned Parenthood). Top Q. How much does the emergency contraception pill cost? A. Generally, there is a consult fee, and then the actual cost for the pill. Consult fees may range from $20-40, and the pill may range from $10-30. At Planned Parenthood, the cost is usually $51, total. They may request that you have a pregnancy test, which is an extra $12. If you are a UIC student, you may get a free appointment at Family Medicine (tell them you need urgent care). Family Medicine will likely send you to the Ear and Eye Infirmary pharmacy (1855 W. Taylor, 312-996-6540), where the ECP will cost you $24.27. The ECP is also available at the Wood St. Pharmacy (840 S. Wood, 312-996-8642) for $18.90, cash ONLY, and you must have your I-Card. Prices subject to change without notice. Top Q. Do my parents need to know? A. If you feel comfortable talking to your parents about this matter, by all means tell them. However, if you do not want your parents to know, most clinics are extremely well versed in keeping your medical records private, even from your parents. To ensure privacy, make sure you do not use your parents insurance, as they may get a bill that details the services you have gone through. Top Q. Why do they make me take a pregnancy test? A. Although the ECP has not been shown to harm an unborn fetus, it is not advisable to take ECPs when you are pregnant. If you have not had your period within the last month, typically the clinic that you are going to will ask you to take a pregnancy test just to ensure that you are not already pregnant. Top Important numbers and web addresses:* Emergency Contraception Hotline (24 hours, English and Spanish) 1-888-668-2528 Planned Parenthood General Information 1-800-230-PLAN Planned Parenthood ECP by phone 1-866-222-EC4U (3248) Planned Parenthood EC4U on the web http://www.ppca.org/ec4u/ec4umain.html General ECP information http://ec.princeton.edu Online ECP prescription websites http://www.getthepill.com http://www.morningafterpill.net