Myths & Facts about Emergency Contraception
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Myth: EC causes an abortion.
Fact: Emergency contraception prevents a pregnancy, it does not interfere with an existing pregnancy. If you are already pregnant when you take EC, it does not harm the fetus. -
Myth: EC only works if you take it the “morning after” sex.
Fact: Emergency contraception is most effective if taken within 12 hours of sexual intercourse, but can be taken up to 72 hours after sex. One brand of EC, Ella, can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex. -
Myth: You need a prescription for Emergency Contraception.
Fact: EC is available without a prescription. In many states you may have to ask the pharmacist for it, but you don’t need to see a health care provider first. -
Myth: You can use EC for regular birth control.
Fact: Using birth control methods such as the pill, the patch, or condoms is more effective than emergency contraception. It’s also much cheaper, EC can be up to $50 a dose. -
Myth: There is a limit to how many times one can take emergency contraception.
Fact: Research shows no harm to women who take multiple doses of EC, even if spaced closely together. -
Myth: Taking emergency contraception prevents pregnancy for the rest of the month.
Fact: One dose of EC will only cover ONE incident of unprotected sexual intercourse. -
Myth: Emergency contraception protects against Sexually Transmitted Disease.
Fact: EC provides NO protection from STDs such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia or HPV (just to name a few). The only effective way to protect yourself from STIs during sex is to use condoms consistently and correctly.
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