Home  Our Services  Sex and Health    Abortion STDs Emergency Contraception  About Our Ministry  How Can I Help?  Volunteer Oppor.  Upcoming Events  Newsletter  Links of Interest  Supporters Corner  Contact Us		Emergency Contraception Note: Although Care Net does not recommend the use of the "morning after pill," we feel that you still need to be informed of your options. Emergency contraception is provided one of two ways: Using increased doses of certain oral contraceptive pills, called Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) Insertion of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)—Doctor Prescription Required in New Mexico For Use within 72 hours of intercourse. Emergency contraception, commonly called the "morning after pill," is a series of high dose birth control pills taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The pills may prevent the release of the egg from the ovary, prevent the fertilization of the egg, or prevent the fertilized egg from implanting on the wall of the uterus. Depending on the kind of medication administered, there is between a 75-89% chance of preventing pregnancy with the use of ECPs. Side effects of ECPs may include nausea (in 1/2 of women), vomiting (1/3 of women), breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, dizziness and headaches. The danger signals to watch for after taking the pill are: Chest or arm pain Shortness of breath or coughing Swelling or pain in the legs Severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, numbness in any part of your body Blurry or double vision Severe depression Click here to read an article about the morning after pill. Intrauterine Device (IUD)—Doctor appointment required. For use within 5 days of unprotected sex. A second form of emergency contraception involves the insertion of an Intrauterine Device (IUD). The IUD is designed to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg and is effective up to 99% of the time. Insertion of the IUD disrupts the current activity in the uterus and causes a developing zygote to be expelled. Once inserted, an IUD can be used for up to 10 years as a form of contraception. IUDs are not recommended for women who have multiples sexual partners or who are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases because insertion of the IUD can lead to pelvic infection, increasing the chances of STD transmission. Lower abdominal cramping can be expected during or just after insertion of an IUD. Other side effects may include dizziness and, rarely, fainting. If left in place, IUDs can cause irregular periods and more cramping with periods. IUDs offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Click here for a picture of an IUD.
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