Top OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA: emergency contraception

Top OBGYN: emergency contraception and what you need to know

Top OBGYN explains that emergency contraception is contraception that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception can help you if you believe that your method of birth control may have failed or you didn’t use one and want to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is widely known as the “morning-after pill,” but you don’t have to wait until the morning to take it after unprotected sex. This is not meant to be used for regular birth control. You should speak with your nurse or doctor about regular birth control to help prevent pregnancy.

Types of emergency contraception

There are currently two forms of emergency contraception: ParaGard intrauterine device (IUD), and pills containing the hormones that prevent pregnancy.

ParaGard IUD

The insertion of a ParaGard copper IUD is what can be used to act as both emergency contraception and continued birth control for as long as 12 years. Your family planning clinic, gynecologist, or someone at Planned Parenthood can insert the IUD. Many insurance providers cover most or all of the costs, however, it can cost up to $900. The IUD can reduce the chance of pregnancy by up to 99.9% when used correctly as emergency contraception.

Plan B/morning after pill

There are two different types of pills that you can use for emergency contraception (EC).

Levonorgestrel is what is contained in the first pill. Plan Be One-Step, AfterPill, and Take Action are some of the brand names available. You can purchase these over the counter at most pharmacies or drugstores without ID or a prescription. They can be purchase by anyone at any age. They are known to lower the chance of getting pregnant by 75% to 89% when used correctly.

The second hormonal pill is called Ella and it is the only brand to make it. This pill contains ulipristal acetate. To get Ella you will need a prescription. You can visit a “minute clinic” to get a prescription from a nurse practitioner if you can’t see your established provider right away. You should give your pharmacy a call to ensure that they have Ella in stock. You can also get Ella online. With an 85% efficacy rate, this pill is considered the most efficient type of pill.

When should you take it?

You should consider using emergency contraceptives after you have had unprotected sex, or you think your birth control failed, to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptives need to be used as soon as possible after sex to prevent pregnancy and you should never take an emergency contraceptive more than one round at a time.