HEALTH EDUCATION

Emergency contraception

What it is
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. It is also called post-coital or "morning-after" contraception. It does not cause an abortion. It’s provided in two ways:

• Emergency contraception pills (ECPs)
•Insertion of an IUD 

ECPs prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or fertilization.
IUDs prevent fertilization.

How effective is it?
Combined ECPs reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75% if started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.

You may want emergency contraception if:

•The condom broke or slipped off, and he ejaculated inside your vagina.

• You forgot to take your birth control pills.

• Your diaphragm, cap, or shield slipped out of place, and he ejaculated inside your vagina.

•You miscalculated your "safe" days.

• He didn’t pull out in time.

• You weren’t using any birth control.

• He forced you to have unprotected vaginal sex.

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