Lafayette Street Family Health Clinic

Services Offered

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)
What Is It?	Birth control pills taken in a specific way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
How Does It Work?	Depending on when in the menstrual cycle ECPs are taken: Prevents ovulation. May prevent implantation of fertilized egg.
How Is It Used?	First set of pills is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. A second set of pills is taken exactly 12 hours later.
How Well Does It Work?	Reduces the risk of pregnancy for a single act of unprotected sex by 75%.
What Are Its Main Advantages?	Can be used after unplanned, unprotected sex. Can be used when usual method fails (for example, when a condom breaks). Can be used after rape.
What Are Some Possible Problems?	Frequently causes nausea and vomiting. Vomiting may reduce effectiveness. Should not be used if already pregnant. May change time of next menstrual period (early or late). If period does not being within 3 weeks of taking ECPs, get a pregnancy test.