HEALTH SERVICES

Emergency contraception (The Morning-After Pill)

Emergency contraception (EC)can prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. it does not cause an abortion. If a pregnancy has already occured, EC will not harm the pregnancy. EC is available at all of our medical centers for all patients 17 years of age or older.

How effective is it?
Emergency contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75% - 89% if started within the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. It also reduces the risk of pregnancy if started up to 120 hours (5 days) after 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.