Lesson 4: So Many Choices, So Many Myths - Making An Informed Choice

In this lesson you will learn about what you can do in an emergency, methods that don't work, myths surrounding methods and reproduction, and how to make your choice.

Emergency Birth Control

Emergency birth control is just what it sounds like, birth control for emergency situations. Some situations in which EBC should be considered include; a condom breaking, missing pills, a tear or hole in cervical cap or diaphragm, or IUD falling out. Emergency birth control should not be relied on as a regular form of contraception. There are two types of emergency birth control: pills and the IUD.

Pills – Emergency birth control pills should be taken within 72 hours of your birth control's failure. In most area's you will need to see your doctor, or go to a woman's health clinic, for emergency birth control pills. Before using the pills, you will be given a pregnancy test to confirm that you are not already pregnant. You will then be instructed on which pills to take, usually right there in the office, and will be informed to take the other half of pills 12 hours later.

EBC pills usually work in preventing an accidental pregnancy about 75% to 85% of the time. EBC pills work by doing one of the following; preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical fluid, or thinning the uterine lining. Some side effects that can be expected from EBC pills include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, dizziness, irregular bleeding, and headache. You will be instructed that if your period does not arrive within the next three weeks to return for an additional pregnancy test.

IUD – An IUD that is used for EBC should be inserted within 5 days of your regular birth control's failing. The IUD must be inserted at a doctor's office, or a woman's health clinic. As would be done with pills, you will be given a pregnancy test before the IUD is inserted to confirm that you are not already pregnant. The IUD works at preventing an accidental pregnancy 99% of the time, which is its usual effectiveness when used as birth control.

The IUD can remain in place and be used as your regular method of birth control. There are possible side effects if you choose to use the IUD as emergency birth control. These include uterine cramping, general pain, and possible infection from insertion. There are other possible side effects should you choose to continue using the IUD which were discussed in lesson 1. As with the EBC pills, you will be instructed to return for an additional pregnancy test in three weeks if your period has not arrived.