Depending on the method used, it either prevents ovulation or fertilization of an egg.
Emergency contraception can also be safely used by teenagers.
Options and How They Work
Over the past few years, emergency contraception options have greatly expanded.
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However, Ella blocks the activity of the progesterone in the body.
Such options include:
Oral contraceptives used for regular contraception can also be used as EC.
Thereafter, the gadget can then be left in place for ongoing contraception for up to 12 years.
The discontinued Next Choice was a two-pill regimen, but it has been replaced by Next Choice One Dose.
It may then work to prevent pregnancy for several years.
Effectiveness
In general, emergency contraception is meant to be a backup birth control method.
It is not as effective as the correct and consistent use of other reversibleprescription birth control methods.
IUDs are the most effective option at about 99% protection.
Pill regimens collectively are about 80% to 90% effective.
You should discuss any major side effects with your healthcare provider.
Take a pregnancy test at your healthcare provider’s office before getting this prescription.
Bacteria from a preexisting infection can be introduced into the uterus during IUD insertion.
If this is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Also of note, research suggests that the effectiveness of the EC pills might be less inwomen with obesity.
While the evidence is only fair to poor quality, this could be a concern.
In these cases, use of the emergency copper IUD might be preferred.
Other birth control methods should be used after you use EC if you do not wish to be pregnant.
Some people confuse emergency contraceptive pills with theabortion pill (RU486).
These two medications serve very different purposes and do not work in the same way.
Emergency contraceptive pillscannotend a pregnancy and should not hurt an existing pregnancy.
As such, these EC options require a healthcare provider’s appointment.
History of Availability
Emergency contraceptive products were first available by prescription only in 1998.
In 2006, those age 18 and over could buy them over the counter.
The FDA approved over-the-counter purchase of these drugs by women ofall ages without prescriptionin June 2013.
This mandate expired in 2016, so confusion should now be eliminated.
Cost
The cost for emergency contraception widely varies and depends upon the EC method.
However, note that obtaining a prescription option may open you up to privacy concerns.
Many of these pregnancies are due to contraceptive failure or not using birth control.
Emergency contraception offers you a last-chance option to prevent pregnancy.
It is safe and effective.
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