What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to contraceptive methods used after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. There are three types of EC: 1. Combined emergency contraceptive pills (CEPs), regular birth control pills that contain both progestin and an estrogen,  2. Progestin-only emergency contraceptive pills (PEPs), regular birth control pills that contain levonorgestrel, and 3. Copper bearing intrauterine device (IUD).

Why Use EC?

EC is very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies, and serves as a backup method when no method was used or in case of failure of a regular method (e.g. broken condom) or forced sex.

How Does EC Work?

CEPs and PEPs: Depending on when during the menstrual cycle the emergency contraceptive pills are taken: Inhibit or delay an egg from being released from the ovary when taken before ovulation May prevent sperm and an egg from uniting (fertilization) May stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus (implantation) Copper-T IUD: May prevent sperm and an egg from uniting (fertilization) May stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus (implantation)

When to Start EC

CEPs or PEPs: Start the pills as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse or within 120 hours (five days). Early use increases the effectiveness. Copper-T IUD: The IUD should be inserted by a trained medical practitioner within five days of unprotected intercourse.

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How to Use EC

Combined emergency contraceptive pills (CEPs): The number of pills required varies depending on the brand of contraceptive pills used. To see a list of oral contraceptives available in your country that can be used for EC and how to use them, please go to The Emergency Contraception Website. Recommended dose: two doses of 100mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 0.50mg of levonorgestrel taken 12 hours apart. The first dose should be taken as soon as possible after intercourse or within the first 120 hours of unprotected sex.  If vomiting occurs within an hour of the first dose, it should be repeated. It is preferable to take an anti-emetic medication one hour before starting the CEPs to reduce the possibility of vomiting. Progestin only emergency contraceptive pills (PEPs): The number of pills required varies depending on the brand of contraceptive pills used. To see a list of oral contraceptives available in your country that can be used for EC and how to use them, please go to The Emergency Contraception Website. Recommended dose: 1.50mg levonogestrel taken in a single dose or in two doses of 0.75mg levonogestrel taken up to 12 hours apart (both regimens work equally well). The first dose should be taken as soon as possible or within the first 120 hours of unprotected sex. Note:  PEPs are more effective and have fewer side effects than CEPs.

EC Effectiveness Rates

The risk of pregnancy is reduced by the use of emergency contraceptive methods as shown below: CEPs: 75% PEPs: 89% Copper-T IUD: 99%

EC Characteristics

Safe, effective and easy to use May be used any time during the menstrual cycle May be used after unplanned and unprotected intercourse, or rape

EC Possible Side Effects

Emergncy contraceptive pills can cause the following temporary side effects (such side effects are more common with CEPs):  Nausea and vomiting Dizziness and fatigue Headaches Breast tenderness Irregular vaginal spotting or bleeding

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References