Emergency Contraception
(Morning After Pill)

Emergency Contraception commonly known as the "morning after pill" is a combination of hormones that if taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected intercourse or failed contraception, is approximately 75% effective in preventing a pregnancy. Emergency Contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken after sexual intercourse. Unlike abortion, which terminates a pregnancy, the Emergency Conceptive Pill prevents pregnancy.

This method has been effectively used throughout the United States and the world for many years. Emergency Contraception is a combination of hormones that either prevents the ovary from releasing an egg or changes the uterus in a way that a fertilized egg may not attach and develop into a pregnancy. The method requires a patient to take a combination of pills over a 12-hour period.

Appointments for Emergency Contraception can be made 6 days a week. We have flexible appointments to fit into your schedule. During your visit to our office, you will have a pregnancy test and take the first pill orally. The second set of pills is taken at home 12 hours later. This treatment can vary as protocols change.

The side effects of emergency contraception are similar to those experienced with birth control pills. Some patients may experience nausea, headaches, or breast tenderness, but these side effects are alleviated soon after completion of the treatment. Patients return to our office in three weeks for a repeat pregnancy test to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment. As with any treatment, we pride ourselves on our flexibility and attention to individual patient needs.