Emergency Contraception
The Emergency Contraception
Pill (ECP) is a post-coital method of contraception,
often referred to as “the morning after pill.” ECPs
are intended to prevent pregnancy by temporarily
blocking eggs from being produced, stopping fertilization
or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted
in the uterus. The medication containing either
estrogen and progesterone or progesterone only
should be taken as soon as possible within three
days (72 hours) of unprotected intercourse.
This form of contraception is meant for emergency
situations and is not intended to be the sole
form of birth control. All barrier, IUD, and hormonal
methods are more effective for regular contraception
than relying on a post-coital method after unprotected
intercourse. Talk to your physician about how
to obtain emergency contraception in the event
that you think or know your standard form of contraception
has failed.
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