Emergency Contraception at Smith
“The Morning-After Pill”
How to Obtain Emergency Contraception
If a woman has had unprotected vaginal intercourse and is concerned with the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy, she should call Health Services IMMEADIETLY.
Health Services is open MTRF 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and W 1-4:30 pm by appointment. Call x2823 for an appointment.
After hours, please call x2813.
The Morning-After Pill at Smith Health Services is $10 for everyone, regardless of health insurance. Payment is due upon service.
What is Emergency Contraception (or E.C.)?
Emergency contraception, also known as the “morning-after pill”, or post-intercourse contraception, is used for prevention of pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse (if a contraceptive fails or if no contraception was used). Health Services dispenses Plan B which contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone (progesterin) commonly used in birth controls pills. The pills either prevent ovulation or change the uterine lining in such a way that it makes implantation of a fertilized egg unlikely. These effects are temporary, only lasting a few days. Plan B will not terminate an existing pregnancy. It is not an abortion.
How effective is it?
Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy following a single act of unprotected sex from about 8% down to 1%. This represents an 89% reduction in the risk of pregnancy for this single act of unprotected sex. It is not as effective as a regular or main method of birth control. It is not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
How is E.C. taken?
Plan B consists of two tablets taken at the same time as soon as possible within 120 hours of unprotected sex. At Health Services, you are required to take them when you recieve them. You may not purchase them and take them with you, or "stock up."
Who should not take Plan B?
It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant. It is not recommended if you have any undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or have any known hypersensitivity to progesterin.
What are possible side-effects?
The most common side effect of Plan B is nausea. It is recommended that you might consider taking an over-the-counter motion sickness medicine, like Dramamine, an hour before you take E.C. to avoid nausea and vomiting. If you vomit within 1 hour of taking Plan B, you must call health services because you may need to take it again.
Less common side effects include abdominal discomfort, fatigue, headache, irregular menstrual bleeding, dizziness, breast tenderness, vomiting and diarrhea.
Theoretically, certain drugs such as anti-convulsants, barbiturates and the anti-tuberculosis drug rifampin reduce the effectiveness of progesterin. You should discuss this with your doctor.
When should I contact Health Services?
Within 120 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse - the sooner the better. The earlier emergency contraception is taken, the higher the effectiveness. If you vomit within 1 hour of taking Plan B, you must call health services because you may need to take it again. You should also call if you experience these less common side-effects: unusual pain or swelling in the arms and legs, sharp chest pain or shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, severe headaches, sudden change in vision, fainting or dizziness, or heavy prolonged vaginal bleeding. You should return to Health Services if you do not get your next period when expected.
Important things to remember about E.C.
You need to take Plan B as soon as possible for it to retain its effectiveness! Health Services is open MTRF 8:30 am- 4:30 pm & W 1-4:30 pm when school is in session, and there is a nurse at the on call outside office hours (W 8:30am-1pm & Sat/Sun 8 am- midnight) available at x 2813. The Morning-After Pill is $10 for everyone.
While the list of side-effects may sound scary, it’s important to remember that all medications have side-effects and that there’s a very low chance that you will experience any of the side-effects.
For more information, feel free to call Health Services or visit Planned Parenthood’s Emergency Contraception page
Written by Meghan Greenhalgh '08, Gwen Reichert '07, and Emily Earl-Royal '09
Last Updated: 1-24-06
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