Yes, emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to help prevent you
from becoming pregnant after unprotected sex. Consider emergency contraception
if you had sex and:
- you didn't use any birth control at all
- the condom broke
- the diaphragm slipped
- you were late for your birth control shot
- you missed two or more birth control pills in a row
- you were sexually
assaulted.
There are two main methods of emergency contraception:
- You can have a copper
IUD (intrauterine device) inserted into your uterus by a doctor
up to 7 days after unprotected sex.
- You can take Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP), which
can work up to 5 days after unprotected sex. ECP are more effective the earlier
you take them, so don't delay.
1. INTRAUTERINE DEVICES (IUDs)
Why are IUDs used for emergency contraception?
A copper IUD is usually used as a long-term method of birth control, but it’s
also the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can reduce the risk
of pregnancy by 98-99%. An IUD is a good choice if you don't like or can’t take
hormones. A doctor can insert the IUD into the uterus up to 7 days after unprotected
sex. You'll need to have a pelvic exam for this. If you think an IUD might be
an option for you, talk to your health care provider.
2. EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS (ECP)
What are Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP)?
ECP (sometimes called the “morning-after pill”) contain the same medication
as regular birth control pills but are taken in two large doses, 12 hours apart.
They must be taken as soon as possible and can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected
sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
How do ECP work and how effective are they?
ECP may stop or delay ovulation, stop fertilization or prevent the implantation
of a fertilized egg. Their effectiveness is affected by when you take them,
and what type you take. The only recognized ECP in Canada
is called “Plan B.” If you use Plan B within 72 hours, you can reduce your
risk of becoming pregnant by 89%. However, some clinics in Canada
use the combined pill method, which uses high doses of Ovral birth control pills.
Talk to your health care provider about this form of ECP.
What won't ECP do?
ECP won't cause an abortion. Emergency contraception is not the same as RU-486,
the “abortion pill.” If you're already pregnant, ECP won't work, because they
will not harm a developing fetus. ECP also don't prevent sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), including HIV.
Where can I get ECP? Do I need a medical exam before I take the pills?
In Canada,
regardless of your age, you don't need parental consent, a medical exam or a
doctor’s prescription to get ECP. Plan B is available “behind-the-counter”,
so you can go straight to the pharmacist and ask for it. The pharmacist will
have to ask you some questions and make sure you understand how to take Plan
B before he or she can give it to you. A single-use dose of Plan B costs about
$40 at a pharmacy, but you can also get ECP for little to no cost at many sexual
health clinics and hospital emergency rooms.
Can I use ECP instead of a regular form of birth control?
ECP aren't as effective as regular methods of contraception and should only
be used for emergency situations. However, repeated use of ECP over time isn't
dangerous and won't affect your future ability to get pregnant or have a child.
ECP don't protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
For more information about contraception, see the FAQ “What
are the most effective birth control methods and where can I go to get them?”
What else should I know about EC?
It's very important to remember that ECP and IUDs do not protect you from sexually
transmitted infections. Latex condoms offer the best protection against STIs.
If you've taken ECP and haven't started your period within three weeks, you
should do a pregnancy test. If you think you got pregnant more than a week ago,
see the FAQ “I
think I might be pregnant, what should I do?”
Additional resources
Emergency Contraception – Women’s
Health Matters
Emergency Contraception After Sex – Sexualityandu.ca
Emergency Contraceptive Insertion of the Copper T Intrauterine
Device (IUD) – Emory
University
Not-2-Late.Com: The Emergency Contraception Website –
Princeton
University
Preventing pregnancy after you have had sex – Canadian
Pediatric Society
Additional resources for health intermediaries
Emergency Contraception Position Statement – Canadian
Pediatric Society
| 
