Introduction

Emergency contraception -- also called postcoital contraception -- is a form of birth

control that may be used by women who have had unprotected sex or used a birth control
method that failed. The treatment generally is reserved for specific situations and is not a
regular method of birth control. They work primarily by delaying ovulation. Emergency
contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Definition
Emergency contraception are birth control measures that may be used after sexual intercourse
to prevent pregnancy.

Types

There are 2 types of emergency contraception:

 Pill form
 IUD

There are 3 types of emergency contraception in pill form that are sold both with and
without a prescription.

 Pills containing a hormone called levonorgestrel:

o My Way (over-the-counter) 
o Plan B One-Step (over-the-counter) 
o Preventeza (over-the-counter)
o Take Action (over-the-counter)
 Birth control pills can also be used as emergency contraception, but you have to
take more than one pill at a time to keep from getting pregnant.
 A third kind of emergency contraception pill is called ulipristal (ella, ellaOne).

Levonorgestrel is a specifically packaged emergency contraception. It is available to anyone

over the counter without a prescription or age restrictions.

Ella is a non-hormonal pill. It contains ulipristal, a non-hormonal drug that blocks the effects
of key hormones necessary for conception. It is available only by prescription.
How Effective Is Emergency Contraception?

If levonorgestrel  is taken as directed after unprotected sex, it will decrease the chances of
a pregnancy occurring. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant
do not become pregnant. 

Side effects

 nausea
 abdominal pain
 unexpected bleeding or spotting, sometimes up until your next period
 fatigue
 headache
 dizziness
 vomiting
 breast tenderness

IUD

Copper IUDs work by releasing copper into the uterus and fallopian tubes,
which acts as a spermicide. It may prevent implantation when used for
emergency contraception, though this has not been proven.

Side Effects

Common side effects of copper IUD insertion include:

 discomfort during insertion

 cramping
 spotting, and heavier periods
 dizziness
 Advantages of an IUD

 IUDs are safe and effective in preventing pregnancy—even more effective than other
methods of reversible birth control.
 Along with implants, IUDs are one of the most cost-effective, long-acting reversible
methods of birth control.
 It works for 3 to 10 years, depending on the type.
 There is nothing you have to remember to do.
 It is private. It is your choice if your partner knows about it.
 It can be removed at any time by a healthcare provider.