• EC may work in one or more ways:
• Stops the egg from leaving the ovary
• Changes the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg may not implant
• Prevents sperm from reaching the egg

HOW IS IT USED?

• ECPs are taken following unprotected intercourse. It is recommended that you take the pills within 72 hours of having sex. They can be taken within 5 days of having sex, but the sooner they are taken, the more effective they appear to be in preventing pregnancy.
• The second dosage is taken 12 hours after the first.
• Do not have unprotected sex after taking EC
• EC should not be used as a method of birth control; other methods work better.

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES

• EC offers no protection again sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
  
• EC does not work as well as some other methods of birth control
  
• May cause side effects including nausea, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain or breast tenderness.
  
• There is no protection against pregnancy if unprotected sex happens after EC has been taken.
  
• EC can be taken AFTER sex has occurred
  
• EC will not harm an existing pregnancy or cause a miscarriage

HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?

EC reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75%. This method is meant to be used as an emergency measure only, to prevent an unintended pregnancy after a single act of intercourse. It is not meant to be used as a regular method of birth control. The sooner it is taken following intercourse, the more effective it is.

For more information on EC, click here.