Emergency contraception is one of health care's best kept secrets. Many patients are unaware of its existence, and few health professionals offer it unless a patient specifically asks. This results in a lot of lost opportunities to prevent unintended pregnancies. Approximately, 100% of Obstetrician-gynecologists surveyed believed the pills were safe and effective. The majority did not believe that providing ECP's would encourage women to be reckless about contraception or discourage correct use of other contraceptives.

Many of the unintended pregnancies end up in abortion. Overall 49% of all pregnancies that occur in the United States annually remain unplanned. This has dropped from 56% in 1987. 90% of sexually active women use some form of birth control, but the 10% who don't use anything account for over 55% of the unintended pregnancies. Experts believe that as many as half may be prevented by knowledge of emergency contraception. However, only 10 percent of Ob/Gyn's discuss emergency contraception with their patients as part of routine contraceptive counseling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is emergency contraception the same as the "Morning after" pill?

The morning after pill consists of several tablets of birth control pills depending on the type you take. The name morning after is misleading, since it can be used up to 72 hours after sex, not just the morning after.

How does emergency contraception work?

Most birth control pills contain two hormones- estrogen and progestin. When used as emergency contraception, these hormones disrupt the natural hormone patterns necessary for pregnancy. The high dose hormones are thought to interfere with ovulation (release of the egg) and fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Also, the high dose estrogen may disrupt the endometrium (lining of the uterus).

How do I use the emergency contraception pill?

Call your clinician to discuss emergency contraception as soon as possible. Remember the latest that it can be used is 72 hours after intercourse. The number of birth control pills depends on the type of pills you are taking. You will take the same number of pills 12 hours later a second time.

How safe are emergency contraception pill?

Emergency contraception pills are very safe. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the evidence and concluded that the treatment is safe and effective.

Are there women who shouldn't not use emergency contraception pills?

The WHO (World Health Organization) states pregnancy as the only reason not to use emergency contraceptive pills.

What are the side effects of emergency contraception pills?

The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, because of the high dosage of estrogens.

About 50% of women experience nausea and 25% of them may have some vomiting. You may want to ask your clinician about an anti-nausea drug in conjunction with the birth control pills.

If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the birth control pill, you may need to repeat the dose of emergency contraception.

How effective is it?

Sources quote a 95%-97% success rate with birth control pills as emergency contraception. The intrauterine device should have a higher success rate.

Are there any other forms of emergency contraception?

The IUD (intrauterine device) is another type of emergency contraception. The IUD works by changing the lining of the uterus, interfering the sperm fertilizing the eggs, and with the ability of the sperm to reach the egg. The IUD can be inserted up to 5 and maximum of 7 days after unprotected intercourse. An IUD must be inserted by a clinician.

When to call Your Clinician:

*Call your clinician within 2 weeks for a pregnancy test and to discuss regular birth control.

*A toll-free emergency contraception hotline provides 24 automated information of emergency contraceptive methods.

1-888-NOT-2-LATE

Remember: Emergency contraception is no substitute for regular birth control. It is less effective and does not prevent transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as AIDS. See your clinician for more details.

Ryan K. Lee is a physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is currently in private practice in Glendale and Los Angeles, California.