Emergency Contraception (EC)
His condom broke...
You forgot to take your pill...
He didn’t pull out in time...
He forced you to have sex...
You were both intoxicated...
Whatever the reason, know that Emergency Contraception (EC) is available at the Health Services Pharmacy for all students over the age of 18. The cost of EC is $25. You do not need a prescription.
Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the "Morning After Pill" is intended as emergency contraception for when you are unable to protect yourself during vaginal intercourse.
What Emergency Contraception (EC)
Birth control used AFTER intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It can be provided through oral medication or insertion of an IUD (intrauterine device).
Use of EC is a safe and effective way of reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (condom failure, missed oral contraceptive (OC), or failure to use a contraceptive method, etc.) Formerly referred to as the “morning after pill.”
What it is not?
It is not the abortion pill (RU486). EC is not effective after pregnancy has occurred and cannot interrupt it.
How it works?
EC creates a short strong burst of hormones which interfere with the normal hormone patterns of the menstrual cycle. They may prevent release of an egg from the ovary, disturb the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation in the uterus or interfere with the transportation of the egg or sperm through the fallopian tube.
Risk of pregnancy?
The risk of becoming pregnant with any single act of intercourse can be as high as 30%. Pregnancy rates are less than 4% after use of emergency contraception.
If you are already pregnant before using EC the existing pregnancy is unlikely to be affected. If EC fails to prevent pregnancy there should be no effect on the pregnancy. Using EC will not affect a woman's ability to become pregnant in the future.
Are there contraindications?
There are very few contraindications to using EC. These contraindications include existing pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or allergy to the ingredients of the pills.
How is it used?
Two tablets of EC are taken within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. It appears to be more effective if it is taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse.
What are the common side effects?
Common side effects can include: headache, fluid retention, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, nausea, and mild abdominal pain. These subside within a few days.
Menstrual changes may occur during the cycle in which EC is used. These include spotting and/or a period may be earlier or later than expected.
Contact Health Services if you experience any of the following after taking EC:
- Vomit within 2 hours of taking your dose of EC (this is very unlikely). This dose must be repeated. There is medication available to help prevent vomiting.
- Do not start menses within three weeks of taking EC.
- Have a very unusual period.
Contraceptive options:
EC is intended as emergency contraception. If you have a need for ongoing contraception please discuss this with a clinical provider at Health Services.
Other locations to purchase EC:
If UNH Health Services is not open, EC is available through:
- Area pharmacies
- (800) Not-2-Late
It may be helpful to have a dose of ECP on hand. Your medical provider or pharmacist can provide EC before it is needed.
Questions/Concerns:
You can make an appointment to see a Health Services clinical provider if you have any additional questions or concerns:
- (603) 862-1094 to talk with a pharmacist
- (603) 862-2856 to talk with a triage nurse
References:
Hatcher, Robert et al. Contraceptive Technology, 16th Revised Edition, New York, Irvington Publishers, 1994. Hatcher, Robert et al. Emergency Contraception The Nation’s Best Kept Secret, Georgia, Bridging the Gap Publications, 1995. Hatcher, Robert. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception, 2002-2003.
