Emergency Contraceptive Pill
What it is . . .
There are three types of Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) available:
- Plan B – a hormonal pill designed for emergency contraception. It is available without a prescription for $15.00, and can be picked up by anyone. It consists of one dose of two pills.
- Norlevo – a hormonal pill designed for emergency contraception. It is available without a prescription for $10.00, and can be picked up by anyone.
- Ovral – a birth control pill used for emergency contraception. It is available for free, and must be picked up by the person taking the pills. It will be prescribed in two doses of two pills each (total of four pills). The second dose is taken 12 hours after the first dose. The side effects are more severe as compared to Plan B (ie: nausea), and Gravol will be given with the pills if you would like.
Plan B and Ovral are effective when taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse. However, the sooner after unprotected sex ECP is taken, the more effective it is (whichever method you choose). Plan B has shown to prevent 95% of pregnancies when used within 24 hours of intercourse (Ovral-77%), 85% of pregnancies when used within 25-48 hours (Ovral-36%), and 58% when used 49-72 hours (Ovral-31%).
How it works . . .
Depending on where a woman is in her cycle, ECP will either:
1. Prevent ovulation
2. Prevent fertilization of an egg
3. Stop a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterine wall
Once the egg is implanted, ECPs will not work. They will not abort an established pregnancy.
Who shouldn't take it . . .
Most women can use ECPs safely, even women who can't normally take the birth control pill. Women who know they are pregnant should not take ECPs.
What are the side effects . . .
ECPs will sometimes cause:
1. Nausea
2. Headaches
3. Cramping
4. Vomiting
5. Dizziness
6. Breast tenderness
What women should consider before using ECPs . . .
- How long ago she had intercourse: if longer than 120 hours, it will probably not be effective.
- Whether or not she was using any methods of birth control: this will help to determine whether or not she needs to use the ECP (i.e. broken condom = good idea to use ECP, one or two missed Pills = sometimes necessary). If you have missed any pills, use the S.O.S. application.
- When she is due to start her next period: if her period is due to start in less than 1 week, ECP may not be necessary.
Effectiveness Rate . . .
Women should be aware of the fact that ECPs are not 100% effective. They may still become pregnant and should consider what their decision would be if that does happen.
Where to get it . . .
There are several places in Saskatoon where women can access ECPs at no charge (e.g./ City Hospital, Royal University Hospital, sometimes clinics). Always ask for a pro-choice doctor. Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon provides emergency contraceptive pills without consultation with the doctor. It is also available by prescription at most pharmacies. SHCS has a complete listing of where to get ECPs.