Emergency contraception can be used when a condom breaks, after a sexual assault, or any time unprotected sexual intercourse occurs. People who are sexually active should not use any form of emergency contraception as their only means of protection. It can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse and still prevent pregnancy.

Keep in mind, though, that the contraception is more likely to be effective when it is taken sooner. Therefore, when a person has a risk of pregnancy, they should take emergency contraception as soon as possible. Some women who are sexually active keep a prescription on hand in case they need it. Generally, the emergency contraceptive pills are available by prescription and are taken in two doses. Each dosage generally contains two to four pills. The doses should be taken 12 hours apart.

Morning After Pill

The morning after pill (emergency contraceptive pill) is a combination of oral birth control pills that prevents pregnancy. There are two different kinds of morning after pills. The first type uses hormones that are similar to those that are taken as regular contraception but in higher doses. This pill cuts the chance of pregnancy by 75 percent.

This does not mean that 25 percent of women who take the pill will become pregnant. Instead, it means that the number of women who would have become pregnant after having unprotected sex is reduced by 25 percent had they not taken the pill. This makes the chance of becoming pregnant when taking the pill extremely low.

Progestin

The other type of contraceptive pill contains the hormone progestin. In the United States this type of pill is called Plan B. It is more effective than the first type of emergency contraceptive – estimated to be 89 percent effective. It also has less of a chance of side effects.

Rather than getting a prescription for emergency contraception some women simply take extra doses of their own birth control. It is important to consult with a doctor before doing this because not all birth control is effective as emergency contraception.

Side effects of the morning after pill include nausea, headaches, and vomiting. Irregular bleeding and heavy periods are another possibility. It is important to remember that the morning after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.