Wondering about emergency contraception also known as "the morning after pill"
because the condom broke or you had unprotected sex?
Even though Hands of Hope does not refer for or provide emergency contraception,
we include the information below to allow you to make an informed decision.
because the condom broke or you had unprotected sex?
Even though Hands of Hope does not refer for or provide emergency contraception,
we include the information below to allow you to make an informed decision.
What is emergency contraception?
In New Mexico, a prescription from your healthcare provider is needed for emergency contraception. Commonly sold as Plan B One-Step®, Next Choice®, or Ella®, these may reduce the chance of becoming pregnant after known or suspected contraceptive failure, unprotected or forced intercourse. These medications are reported to work in one of several ways: stopping ovulation, blocking sperm from fertilizing an egg, or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting. (This last method may be considered an early abortion.) They do not prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and contain potential risks and side effects.
This Center offers accurate information about all pregnancy options.
THIS CENTER DOES NOT OFFER ABORTION SERVICES OR ABORTION REFERRALS
THIS CENTER DOES NOT OFFER ABORTION SERVICES OR ABORTION REFERRALS
The Morning After Pill - "Plan B One-Step®"
- Plan B One-Step® contains large amounts of a progestin hormone found in some birth control pills.
- Plan B One-Step® consists of one pill taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Side effects may include changes in periods, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
- If the abdominal pain is severe, you should seek immediate medical help to rule out ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
- Plan B One-Step® is reported to prevent an average of 84% of expected pregnancies.
- However, there have been no long-term studies on the safety of Plan B One-Step® in women under 17, what happens after repeated use, or the effects on a woman's future fertility.
Emergency Contraception - "ella®"
- ella® contains ulipristal, a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex. Both drugs will block progesterone to disrupt an embryo's attachment to the womb, causing its death. (Therefore, pregnancy from a previous sexual encounter should be ruled out before taking ella®. You can make an appointment for a free pregnancy test at Hands of Hope.)
- ella® may be used within 5 days of unprotected sex, and should only be used once per menstrual cycle.
- Side effects may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue and dizziness.
- If the abdominal pain is severe, you should seek immediate medical help to rule out ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
- ella® is estimated to reduce the number of expected pregnancies from 5.5% to 2%.
- No long-term studies have been done on ella® concerning its effect on: women under 18 or over 35 years of age, if a woman is already taking other hormonal contraception, pregnancy from a previous encounter, taking ella® more than once during a menstrual cycle, or women who are breast feeding.
For further information online see references 11-28, click the button below:
What about emergency contraception and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)?
- Emergency contraception does NOT provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections
- *If you feel you have one, you should be tested for STIs by your health care provider.*
Hands of Hope does not prescribe or refer for emergency contraception. We can offer you a free pregnancy test and provide peer counseling. We are concerned about your health and safety. We are glad you took this time to find out more about Emergency Contraception before you make this critical decision. We want you to know that we are here to help if you would like to come in and talk about your situation. We will be here to help no matter what decision you make.