HEALTH SERVICES

Emergency contraception

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 89% if started within 72 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.

• You had unprotected vaginal sex.