Because the moment after a condom breaks is a bad time to be fuzzy on facts
It’s like the old saying about spilled milk, except, you know, instead of milk it’s semen. EC makes it a bit easier not to cry about it.
The world is an imperfect and constantly changing place. Things don’t always go according to plan and sex is no exception. Condoms break, pills are forgotten, folks get drunk and reckless (clearly not you, but other folks, maybe your friend…) and when these things happen Emergency Contraception (EC) can mean the difference a brief panic and an unplanned pregnancy. However, before you can protect yourself with EC it’s important to know your options and how they work. This is trickier than it should be though, as rumors, myths and misapprehensions regarding EC are rampant, that’s what I’m, with help from the rock stars at Bedsider.org and Planned Parenthood, going to talk about today
First and foremost let’s address the fact that Emergency Contraception frequently goes under another name that confuses the issue greatly on its own – The Morning After Pill. Right there you have the implication that there is only one kind of EC (“the”). Nope! You must take it immediately or you are screwed (“morning after”)- Not so! And it only comes in one form (“pill”) Incorrect! -Hold the phone, pills aren’t your only choice?!. No they aren’t. There go three big fallacies before we even get past the introductions!
So, what are your options? How do they work Where can you get them? Well, they range from over-the-counter one-dose pills to IUDs (for real IUDs can be used as EC!) To get the skinny on what’s out there, how you can get it and how much it might cost you check out the Emergency Contraception page from our friends at Bedsider, it includes an emergency contraception locator (which, I must mention, will not represent ALL of the options near you. It gave me several clinics but none of the local pharmacies and not my local Planned Parenthood) and guidelines on following the Yuzpe Regimen – a way to use your regular BC pills as EC.
Also, EC suffers from a huge case of mistaken identity! There are a lot of folks out there who think that Emergency Contraception and medication abortion are the same thing or that EC is an “Abortion Pill”. This is just plain wrong. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy, it does not end it. Here’s how I like to think about it: Imagine you are a car and sex is driving (go with me here) In this world EC would play the role of your brakes – there to prevent an accident. While medication abortion fits in the same category as things like air bags- there in case said accident occurs. For more information on medication abortion and what it actually is head over to Planned Parenthood’s Abortion Pill page.
I wish I could say we’ve covered all of the misconceptions but we haven’t. Thankfully, once again, Bedsider to the rescue with 5 myths about the emergency contraceptive pill, busted. A quick disclaimer about this one, it does include one out-dated piece of information.which is that all of the pill options become less effective the longer you wait to take them. There is one pill, Ella, (which is the newest and available by prescription only) that doesn’t decrease in effectiveness.
Now, in terms of access it is important to remember that while most EC pills are available over-the-counter, as it were, you will not find them in the aisle of your local CVS you have to go to the pharmacy counter. Also, If you are 16 or younger you will need a prescription to obtain ECPs but if you are 17 or older you don’t need a prescription and it is legal for you to purchase the pills- surprise, surprise people seem confused about this too.
Finally, a little Bedhead PSA: Of all of these methods I most whole-heartedly endorse the IUD. Now, I know this will come as no surprise to my regular readers, but it is not born of blind fan-girl devotion. The IUD is the only method that, once inserted, protects you against future pregnancy. Also, it is the most effective in terms of the pregnancy you are currently trying to prevent. Check it out: IUDs Work Best for Emergency Contraceptive.
That’s it for today folks! Anything to add? Let me know.
Now, go forth in good sex 😉
