After an unexpected sexual encounter, a young woman comes home and takes a
pill before bed and another late the next morning. No more pregnancy
worries. What is emergency contraception?
Emergency Contraception is often referred to as "The Morning After Pill (MAP)," but it actually is a dosage of a few pills combined. Emergency contraception is high doses of certain types of the birth control pill, made up of estrogen and progestin or progestin only. The prescription normally is for either Preven or Plan B, both of which have been developed specifically for the use of emergency contraception. The Preven kit has an instruction booklet, a pregnancy test, and 4 birth control pills that contain the hormones progestin and estrogen. Some kits also include a pill to help prevent nausea. The Plan B contains pills with only progestin hormones. They are taken in 2 doses 12 hours apart. This form of birth control is called "emergency" because it is used in the event of sexual assault and rape or in the event that another type of birth control has failed. It should not be used as the primary form of preventative birth control.
How does MAP work?
Emergency contraception (MAP) works through high doses of the synthetic hormones of estrogen and progestin or progestin only which help regulate ovulation and fertility similar to the way the natural hormones works.
The MAP prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:
- First, it suppresses ovulation (eggs from being released from the ovaries).
- Second, it thickens the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
- Third, it makes the lining of the uterus hostile to implantation and thus causes the fertilized egg to abort.
Is MAP contraception or abortion?
Women who choose to use MAP will never know which has happened, because MAP can be both. If a woman has not yet ovulated, MAP works as a contraceptive by suppressing ovulation and no pregnancy occurs. However if she has become pregnant (the sperm has fertilized the egg), but the embryo has not yet implanted, the use of MAP is an abortion. If the embryo has implanted, the MAP will not be effective.
How do you use the MAP?
Emergency contraception in New Mexico is provided through a prescription by your healthcare provider. The first dose of pills is taken as soon as possible followed by another dose 12 hours later. The manufactures of both Preven and Plan B encourage you to take the emergency contraception within 24 hours for maximum effectiveness.
How effective is the MAP?
Emergency contraception has a 25% failure rate even if taken within the first 72 hours after intercourse has occurred.
Emergency contraception is not as effective as other types of contraception and should not be used as replacement of other methods.
What are the side effects or health risks of the "Morning After Pill" (MAP)?
Emergency Contraception has short term side effects similar to those experienced by users of oral or other hormonal types of contraception which include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Irregular period or unpredictable menstrual periods (esp. in multiple uses)
- Ectopic (tubal) pregnancies which can become life threatening
- Breast tenderness
Emergency contraception may affect your next menstrual cycle by making it earlier or later, or causing blood flow to be different than normal.
Long term side effects are not known. In the rush to make the "Morning After Pill" (MAP) on the market, studies to determine the risks of long term or repeated use were not done. The FDA has the responsibility of regulating these drugs and normally does require extensive testing of any drug it approves.
Emergency contraception is not recommended for women who are already pregnant. You should take a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms. Currently, there have been no studies that show that any harm is done to the developing fetus if this method fails.
How much does emergency contraception cost?
Emergency contraception is available by prescription only and prices range from $15-$100 depending on if an appointment is necessary to get the prescription.
What about emergency contraception and sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)?
Emergency Contraception does NOT provide any protection against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. You should be tested for STD's by your physician.
We're concerned about your health and safety. We're glad you've taken the time to find out more about the your choices before you make this critical decision. We want you to know we're here to help if you'd like to come in and talk about your situation. And we'll be here be here to help no matter which decision you make.
Call our Helpline (505)722-3445