Contraceptive care often plays a significant role in women’s healthcare throughout their lives. Whether women are seeking to adjust their family size to their own goals or manage their fertility in ways that empower them, navigating contraception can be a challenge.
However, in some situations, standard contraceptives may not be the right choice, and this is where emergency contraceptives come in. Emergency contraception (EC) is a type of treatment that reduces the chance of pregnancy immediately after unprotected intercourse.
It is often taken when someone experiences a failure of another protection method, such as a torn condom. Women who want to make the most informed decisions about their emergency contraception options should understand when to use it and the many misunderstandings that often come along with this treatment.
The Myths and Misunderstandings of Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is often misunderstood, frequently because most women do not take it regularly. Some of the most common myths that women may encounter when researching emergency contraceptive options include:
It’s too late if you wait until the afternoon.
Many women worry that if they are not able to access emergency contraceptives right away, the treatment will no longer work. After all, it is called the “morning-after pill.” The good news is that EC can work even after 24 hours, though its effectiveness declines as time passes. Women should seek care for emergency contraception as soon as possible. Still, it often continues to work into the second and even third day.
EC is only for young people.
Any woman who ovulates is at risk of pregnancy. Because emergency contraceptives prevent the formation of a zygote (the fertilized egg) and stop it from implanting into the wall of the uterus, they can work for anyone who may become pregnant at any age. However, the same rules apply: seek care as soon as possible. EC is ineffective against a fertilized egg that implants.
You don’t need regular birth control if you use emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception is just that: for emergencies. It is not effective as a form of long-term pregnancy prevention. Other birth control methods, such as the pill, an IUD, or a cervical ring, better serve that task. Emergency contraception does not work “into the future” to prevent pregnancy, as its effectiveness decreases by the hour.
Emergency contraception only comes in pill form.
While the most common form of EC is an oral pill, a copper IUD can also serve as emergency contraception if it is placed soon enough after unprotected intercourse. The copper in the IUD destroys sperm to prevent it from reaching the egg, which means that in addition to providing emergency treatment, it can continue as a long-term form of birth control.
There is no risk of pregnancy once you take EC.
Emergency contraceptives are very effective at their job; in fact, when used optimally only 1% to 3% of women will become pregnant for each cycle. However, this means that some women get pregnant even after using an emergency contraceptive. Continue to test for pregnancy until the next menstrual cycle starts. Do not be afraid to visit your gynecologist for help!
Any form of emergency contraception can work for anyone.
Each person tolerates emergency contraception differently. Some people find that they become nauseated with the morning-after pill. In contrast, others are unwilling to sit for IUD insertion. Your gynecologist can explain the available methods and provide options to make the process as smooth and simple as possible, regardless of which type of EC you choose.
When Should You Use Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception is best used as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Even an hour later is not too soon. For most women, the need for emergency contraception arises from:
An accidentally broken condom- A mistake in fertility planning
- Unwanted sexual contact
- Any time a woman believes her contraceptive method of choice may have failed
- Forgetting to take a daily birth control pill
Get the Contraceptive Support You Need
Emergency contraception leaves little time for women to think or do research; in the moment, the need for EC can be stressful and confusing. That’s why it is helpful for anyone at risk of pregnancy to understand the common myths and misunderstandings surrounding this type of treatment and when it is appropriate to use it.
The all-women team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is always happy to educate our patients and help them achieve their family planning goals, including halting pregnancy if that is what you want. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to receive emergency contraceptive help and make the best choice for your own well-being.