Emergency Contraception

[Soohkiisimsstaan]

don't be fooled!

When I first started reading about levonorgestrel, the drug being used here for Emergency Contraception I thought 'gee, this sounds familiar. I went to my bedroom, took out the box of my pills and compared. The ingredients were the same in Levlen, my bc pill, as the Emergency Contraception except it also had E. Estradiol. Then I checked out the website on the other drug they refer to as plan B. It was an exact match to what I had been taking. One huge difference--the dosage in a single Plan B pill was close to FOUR times higher. According to the Plan B pill protocol you take two pills immediately and another two pills twelve hours later for the Emergency treatment. That's an extremely high dosage! I'm not surprised that side affects are nausea, vomiting, etc. But, if you can withstand that and you found yourself unprotected for WHATEVER reason, chucking for 24 hours would be a small price to pay I suppose. So, it isn't an easy decision, but this is all about choices and options. I think since we as women get left holding the bag--pregnancy wise--it should be our decision; not some male elected official saying what women can and cannot do with their bodies and outlawing such a choice.

[Soohkiisimsstaan]

The basics

I thought I'd go ahead and reproduce the following from the FAQ page. It says it all...

Frequently asked questions

How long after unprotected sex can I take EC?
Take EC as soon as possible. It is best to take EC within 24 hours of having unprotected sex. EC may work up to five days after sex, but it is more effective if it is taken earlier. Don’t delay!


How effective is EC?
Over 95% of women who take EC do not become pregnant. Plan B (progestin-only) may be slightly more effective than other types of EC.


How do I use EC?
EC may require one or two doses, depending on the product. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor.


What if I am late in taking the second dose of EC?
Taking the second dose a little early or late (two hours early or late, for example) will probably not make a difference in how effective the pills are, but we really do not know for sure.


When should my next period come after I take EC?
Your next period should come more or less on time. It is more common for your period to be late than to come early because ovulation is delayed in many women. If you don’t get a normal period within three weeks, take a pregnancy test.


Will EC effect my period?
EC can cause spotting or change the flow, length, and timing of your next period. In most cases this effect is minor. If you don’t get a normal period within three weeks, take a pregnancy test.


How many times can I use EC?
EC is for emergency use only. For regular, long-term use, other birth control methods, such as "the pill," condoms, and the birth control shot, etc., are more effective than EC to prevent pregnancy.


Does EC protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS?
No, EC will not protect you from STDs, including HIV/AIDS. To protect yourself always use a condom.


Does EC cause an abortion?
No, Emergency Contraception prevents abortion by preventing pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Institutes of Health define pregnancy as starting with implantation of the egg in the uterus. EC will not work after implantation occurs. EC will not interrupt an established pregnancy.


What is the difference between EC and RU-486?
RU-486 or Mifepristone (Mifeprex) also known as the French abortion pill interrupts an already existing pregnancy (49 days or less counting from the beginning of the last menstrual period) and should not be confused with emergency contraception. In contrast, EC will NOT disrupt an established pregnancy.


Is the “morning-after” pill the same as “emergency contraception (EC)”?
Yes, the “morning-after” pill and emergency contraception (EC) are the same thing. The term “emergency contraception” is preferred because this method of preventing pregnancy can be used several days after unprotected sex, not just the “morning after.”


Can I get EC if I am under 18?
Yes, under state law minors have the right to confidential family planning services (including emergency contraception) without parental consent in states that currently allow EC pharmacy access.


If I am already pregnant, will taking EC harm my baby?
No, if emergency contraception is mistakenly taken during pregnancy it will not harm the developing fetus. Using EC will not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future.


What is Plan B?
Plan B® (levonorgestrel) is a safe and effective form of emergency contraception. Unlike older emergency contraceptive pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, Plan B® (levonorgestrel) contains only progestin. As a result, Plan B causes fewer side effects, like nausea and may be slightly more effective. For more information about Plan B visit www.go2planb.com.


Can I use EC if I am breastfeeding?
Yes, EC may be used, as there is no evidence of danger to the infant or mother. A single treatment of EC is unlikely to have an important effect on milk quantity or quality. Some hormones may pass into the breast milk, but they are unlikely to affect the infant adversely.
What Is EC? | Getting EC | Pharmacy Locations | FAQs | Resources | Comments

© 2004 Pharmacy Access Partnership

http://www.EC-Help.org/

Buried somewhere in the Abortion thread, which completely got off track, is a reference I made to it being legal in the State of California for women to go into a pharmacy and purchase emergency contraception. This is not RU-486 because it works in a different manner. New Mexico is another State where women can go in to a pharmacy for help. The above website will explain how it works, why it is not 'the abortion pill' etc., and provides a link so you can find a pharmacy in either California or New Mexico that offers the pill. Alaska and Washington also have this program but you have to call 1-800-323-1336 to find the pharmacy as they aren't listed on the website. Hawaii will soon be part of the program, as well. It does say to check before you run over because they might be out of them or have perhaps changed their policy.

I provide this information in a totally nonjudgmental fashion and hope the religious right on this website will just leave this be. This is not a theology thread, it is a women's health issue; and it is under HEALTH ISSUES and not morality. You have your own thread, so I am asking you nicely to stay there.

:clapping:

[Soohkiisimsstaan]

http://www.EC-Help.org/

Buried somewhere in the Abortion thread, which completely got off track, is a reference I made to it being legal in the State of California for women to go into a pharmacy and purchase emergency contraception. This is not RU-486 because it works in a different manner. New Mexico is another State where women can go in to a pharmacy for help. The above website will explain how it works, why it is not 'the abortion pill' etc., and provides a link so you can find a pharmacy in either California or New Mexico that offers the pill. Alaska and Washington also have this program but you have to call 1-800-323-1336 to find the pharmacy as they aren't listed on the website. Hawaii will soon be part of the program, as well. It does say to check before you run over because they might be out of them or have perhaps changed their policy.

I provide this information in a totally nonjudgmental fashion and hope the religious right on this website will just leave this be. This is not a theology thread, it is a women's health issue; and it is under HEALTH ISSUES and not morality. You have your own thread, so I am asking you nicely to stay there.