Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception
Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for emergency contraception or abortion. We do not profit from any of your sexual health or pregnancy decisions. We are committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed pregnancy decision. No judgment. Just Help.
Emergency contraception works by either preventing pregnancy or stopping one from continuing. It does this by:
- Stopping ovulation, which is when you release an egg from the ovary
- Preventing fertilization if you’ve already ovulated.
- Or Preventing implantation of a fertilized egg, resulting in early pregnancy loss
There are two methods of Emergency Contraception:
- Morning after pills, such as Plan B
- Copper IUD
Morning After Pills work by using hormones to create an unfavorable environment for pregnancy and implantation.
The copper IUD interferes with the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg or prevents implantation.
- Side effects and risks are:
- Heavy, painful periods
- Risk of IUD falling out
- Perforation of the uterus by the IUD
- Pregnancy with an IUD can be risky for both mother and baby
Neither method provide any protection against STDs
Emergency contraception can fail. If your period is late (or missed) a pregnancy test is recommended even if you took emergency contraception. Caring Hearts can provide you with a free pregnancy test and the opportunity to talk with a nurse.
Caring Hearts does not provide or refer for emergency contraception or abortion. We do not profit from any of your sexual health or pregnancy decisions.
- “FDA’s Decision Regarding Plan B: Questions and Answers,” U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 12/7/20165, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-decision-regarding-plan-b-questions-and-answers, accessed 5/12/21
2. “Emergency Contraception,” The Amercian College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Published 8/2019, Reviewed 6/2020, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception, accessed 5/12/21
3. Goldstuck ND, Wildemeersch D. Practical Advice for Emergency IUD Contraception in Young Women. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2015;2015:986439. doi:10.1155/2015/986439, accessed 5/12/21
4. Manhart, Michael, et al. “Fertility Awareness-Based Methods of Family Planning: A Review of Effectiveness for Avoiding Pregnancy Using SORT.” Osteopathic Family Physician, Osteopathic Family Physician, Vol. 5, No. 1, 1, Pp. 2-8, 1 Jan. 2013, ofpjournal.com/index.php/ofp/article/view/294, accessed 5/12/21
5. “Contraception.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm, accessed 5/12/21
6. Goldstuck ND, Cheung TS. The efficacy of intrauterine devices for emergency contraception and beyond: a systematic review update. Int J Womens Health. 2019;11:471-479. Published 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S213815, accessed 5/12/21
7. Cleland K, Raymond EG, Westley E, Trussell J. Emergency contraception review: evidence-based recommendations for clinicians. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2014;57(4):741-750. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000056, accessed 5/12/21
If you do not get your period within 3-4 weeks of taking the Morning-After Pill, it’s recommended to take a pregnancy test to determine if you are, in fact, pregnant. We can provide you with a free pregnancy test and the opportunity to talk with a nurse should you find yourself questioning if you are pregnant.