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HCET Home > Resources > EC Home > Info for Consumers > Importance of Timely Use
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For Consumers - Importance of Timely Use
Although often called “morning after pills”, it is not necessary to wait until the morning after before starting to take emergency contraception pills, you can start immediately after having unprotected sex. If you had sex and did not use birth control, your birth control failed or if you were sexually assaulted, the sooner you take EC, the better. Many healthcare providers recommend taking EC within 72 hours for the best results. The chart below shows that women are more likely to prevent an unintended or unwanted pregnancy if they receive and use EC soon after unprotected intercourse.|
Emergency Contraception: Efficacy and Timeliness of Intervention |
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| Progestin Only Pills (Levonorgestrel) | Combination Pills (Yuzpe Regimen) | |||||||
| EC Following Unprotected Intercourse: Hours |
<24 | 24-48 | 48-72 | <72 | <24 | 24-48 | 48-72 | <72 |
| Unintended Pregnancies Prevented | 95% | 85% | 58% | 85% | 77% | 36% | 31% | 57% |
| Chance of Unintended Pregnancy | 1 in 250 | 1 in 83 | 1 in 37 | 1 in 91 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 24 | 1 in 21 | 1 in 31 |
| Change of Pregnancy among Women having Mid-Cycle Unprotected Intercourse without EC: 1 in 12 | ||||||||
The take home message
- If you have been sexually assaulted and you’re not already using a birth control method….
- If the condom broke or was taken off incorrectly….
- If the diaphragm slipped, tore, or was taken out too soon….
- If you forgot a pill, or missed a birth control shot….
- If you recently had unprotected intercourse and you’re not ready to be pregnant…
ACT NOW. Time makes a huge difference in how well emergency contraception works.
Plan ahead. Ask your healthcare provider about preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases in the future. Many clinics and health care providers provide condoms and EC in advance. Find out how to take care of yourself.
