Emergency Contraception – What are the types of emergency contraception?

What are the types of emergency contraception?

There are two types:

• Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)
  
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, ECPs contain higher doses of the same hormones in some brands of regular birth control pills. Some ECPs are “combined ECPS” with progestin and estrogen. Others are progestin-only. If your spouse is breastfeeding or if she can’t take estrogen, she should use Progestin-only ECPs. She should always take ECPs as soon as she can after having sex, but they can work up to five days later.

There are two types of ECPs:

• Plan B (progestin-only) – made for use as emergency contraception. The two pills can be taken in two doses (one pill right away, and the next pill 12 hours later), or both pills can be taken at the same time. Some women feel sick and throw up after taking ECPs. Taking both pills at the same time will not increase your spouse’s chances of having these side effects. If she throws up after taking ECPs, call the doctor or pharmacist.
  
• Higher dose of regular birth control pills – The number of pills in a dose is different for each pill brand, and not all brands can be used for emergency contraception. For more information on birth control pills that can be used for emergency contraception, visit Not-2-Late.com. The pills are taken in two doses (one dose right away, and the next dose 12 hours later). Make sure your spouse always uses the same brand for both doses. Some women feel sick and throw up after taking ECPs. If she throws up after taking ECPs, call your doctor or pharmacist.

The other type of emergency contraception is the IUD. The IUD is a T-shaped, plastic device placed into the uterus (womb) by a doctor within five days after having sex.

The IUD works by:

• Keeping the sperm from meeting the egg

OR

• Keeping the egg from attaching to the uterus (womb)

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, ECPs contain higher doses of the same hormones in some brands of regular birth control pills, your doctor can remove the IUD after your spouse’s next period. Or, it can be left in place for up to 10 years to use as her regular birth control.

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