What is it?

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill protects against pregnancy after forced or unprotected sexual intercourse or when a birth control method has failed, if used within 72 hours.

How does it work?

After unprotected intercourse or when a birth control method has failed, you will receive two combined birth control pills. These pills contain increased levels of female hormones, which prevent or delay ovulation (releasing an egg), preventing you from getting pregnant.  This method will only work if taken within 72 hours of the sexual event (sex).

Remember, the Emergency Contraceptive Pill protects against pregnancy but DOES NOT protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

How effective is it?

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is 75-98% effective

 Possible Side Effects

• May cause nausea (feeling like you will be sick / vomit) and/or vomiting
• No bleeding after taking the pill (You may be pregnant)
• Serious side effects such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack are extremely rare

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is a good choice for you, IF:

• You have had forced sex or unprotected sex within the last 72 hours
• Your birth control method has failed (torn condom, missed pills, etc) within the last 72 hours

 The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is not for you, IF:

• You are already pregnant from a previous sexual encounter (sex)
• You suffer from active thromboembolic disease
• Your emergency situation occurred over 72 hours ago

Important points

• The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is NOT intended as a method of birth control and is for emergency use only

• You can obtain the Emergency Contraceptive pill from your pharmacist, or your family doctor.  If you do not have a family doctor, one can be provided for you at the Health Unit

 For additional information on the Emergency Contraceptive Pill or other questions related to sexual health contact the Windsor Essex County Health Unit at (519) 258-2146 ext 1200 or 1201

 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (2000). Sex Sense:

Canadian Contraceptive Guide. Ottawa, ON.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (2000). Choosing a

contraceptive that’s right for you…. Ottawa, ON.

Limburg, J. Middlesex-London Health Unit. (1998) Birth Control Options. London, ON.

Reviewed May 1, 2007

T/Sexual Health/Old Website Files/Fact Sheets/Birth Control