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Where should I go to get the morning-after pill?
There are a few options. You can go to your gynecologist, a family planning clinic (such as the ones listed on this site), or the nearest pharmacy. Another option is to order online. Some sites offer overnight shipping for ECP’s.
How much does it cost?
Some clinics offer the morning-after pill for free, or it might be covered by your insurance. Prices vary depending on if you get if from a clinic, online, or over-the-counter. Prices tend to range from $10-$40.
Does it protect against STDs?
The morning-after pill is a contraceptive only. It offers no protection against any STDs.
Who should use the morning-after pill?
A woman may want to consider using emergency contraception if the condom breaks or slips off, if a diaphragm or cervical cap slips out of place, or if she forgot to take her birth control pills for two consecutive days. It is also a good option for rape victims. Emergency contraception is not recommended if you know that you are pregnant.
How does it work?
Morning-after pills contain high doses of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones may work in several ways to prevent pregnancy, such as delaying ovulation, affecting the movement and function of the sperm, affecting the development of the uterine lining, or disrupting the fertilization process. If fertilization has already occurred, ECPs are less effective. After implantation has occurred, ECPs will not interrupt pregnancy.
Does the morning-after pill contain any dangerous ingredients?
The active ingredients found in ECPs are simply higher doses of those found in regular birth control pills.
What are the side effects?
Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and headache.
What do I risk if I don’t take the morning-after pill?
Women worldwide experienced over 300 million unwanted pregnancies between 1995 and 2000. Over 700,000 of these women died of pregnancy-related causes, 400,000 from unsafe abortion. Many of these women could have been saved if they had access to emergency contraception.
How much time do I have?
The first dose should be taken within 72 hours of intercourse, followed by a second dose of pills 12 hours later. The number of pills per dose depends on the type of pill being used.
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