If a woman does not want to become pregnant after unprotected intercourse, emergency contraception is an option. If a condom breaks or slips, a diaphragm or cervical cap slips out of place, no birth control method is used, birth control pills were forgotten, a woman is forced to have vaginal intercourse, or any other reason why vaginal intercourse is unprotected, a woman may decide to use emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills can work in several different ways. It can prevent or delay ovulation, prevent fertilization of an egg, or alter transport of an egg to the uterus. In addition, emergency contraception can also make the uterine lining inhospitable for implantation by disrupting normal hormone patterns.
Emergency contraception works before implantation.
It will not work after a woman is already pregnant. Thus, emergency contraception will not cause an abortion if a woman is already pregnant. Emergency contraception is available at Student Health Services. The effectiveness decreases with time and emergency contraception may not be effective after 72-96 hours after unprotected intercourse. Pharmacy Visit the Pharmacy for hours of operation .