Emergency contraceptive procedures (ECPs) are ways to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. ECP can be used when a condom breaks, after a sexual assault or any time unprotected sexual intercourse occurs. A woman does not become pregnant until 5-7 days after intercourse. ECPs work after a woman has intercourse but before she becomes pregnant. ECPs cannot terminate a pregnancy that has already begun. Do not use emergency contraceptives as your regular protection against pregnancy if you are sexually active or planning to be, because they are not nearly as effective as any ongoing contraceptive method. Emergency contraceptives available in the United States include:

• Contraceptive pills
• Copper-T Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Considerable research shows emergency contraception is safe and effective. ECPs cannot protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Depending on the time during the menstrual cycle that they are taken, ECPs may inhibit or delay ovulation, inhibit tubal transport of the egg or sperm, interfere with fertilization, or alter the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), thereby inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. The copper in copper-T IUDs can prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg and also can alter the endometrium, thereby inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg.

According to the Office of Population Research at Princeton University, certain brands of contraceptive pills that can be used for emergency contraception are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ordinary contraception and their use for emergency contraception is legal. The FDA has explicitly declared ECPs to be safe and effective.

Two FDA-approved prescription drugs, Preven and Plan B, were developed specifically for emergency contraceptive use. These so-called "morning-after pills" are essentially high-dose birth control pills that are taken within three days after sexual intercourse and are 75 percent effective.

A Copper-T IUD is inserted up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse and is 99 percent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Because ECPs are approved by the FDA, any physician or health care provider can prescribe them. To find out the name of a provider or clinic in your area that offers emergency contraception, call the emergency contraceptive hotline at 1-800-584-9911. If a woman looking for emergency contraception already has birth control pills in her possession, she should call the clinic that prescribed the pills.

Pros:

• Offers a last-resort option to pregnancy for women who need a second chance.

Cons:

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Can only be used within 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Medical risks/side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Dizziness
• Fluid retention
• Irregular bleeding

Although ECPs are safe for most women, it is generally not appropriate for those who have ever had stroke or heart attack, cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, migraine headaches, blood clots, liver disease, or for women who have missed their period or are late.

Effectiveness:

• 75 percent -- oral contraceptives
• 99 percent -- IUD insertion