Can i use ortho tri cyclen for ec

There are plenty of reasons why you might wonder whether regular ol' birth control pills can function as emergency contraception. Maybe you stopped taking them because you weren't seeing anyone, then had a one-night stand and have an unused pill pack stashed away. Perhaps you've been a little absentminded about taking your pills each day—which can affect their efficacy—and had sex sans condom, or you and your partner botched the withdrawal method.

You might even be traveling in a place where EC is hard to get or fear pharmacists' judgment of your situation. In any case, there's some good news: Taking extra birth control pills can indeed count as emergency contraception if you're in dire straits, but there are a few things you should know before trying this out.

One of the top methods is Ella, a morning after pill you can take up to five days after unprotected sex. It uses a medicine called ulipristal acetate to prevent ovulation by blocking your body's production of the hormone progesterone, according to Planned Parenthood. Ella is more effective than other morning after pills because its efficiency doesn't decline the longer you wait to take it the way it does with Plan B and its ilk.

But there are two catches. First, you need a prescription. Plan B and other morning after pills besides Ella contain levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone-like hormone, and they can also stop ovulation or make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. Better yet, they're available over the counter, so no prescription necessary.

But since they work best in the first 72 hours after unprotected sex, they're not successful as Ella. ParaGard, the copper IUD , is actually the most effective form of emergency contraception out there. When inserted within five days after unprotected sex, it reduces the risk of pregnancy by 99 percent compared to the morning after pills' up to 95 percent, according to Planned Parenthood. It works by releasing copper, which creates an inflammatory response in the uterus that makes it toxic to sperm, according to Mayo Clinic.

But depending on your insurance, it may cost hundreds of dollars, plus it's a way bigger commitment than pills. During counseling, pharmacists should indicate that EC products do not prevent against sexually transmitted diseases and that these agents are not meant for deliberate, repeated use or routine use as a contraceptive method. The pharmacist should take this opportunity to provide education about other methods of contraception; for example, at this time, women may be educated on the copper IUD.

Patients should also be advised that these products are not abortifacients. They are meant to prevent a pregnancy from happening; they will not harm an already existing pregnancy. See Table 2 for additional counseling points. The use of EC will continue to increase. Pharmacists play an important role in providing patient education about EC because many women will likely go to the pharmacy first.

Pharmacists need to feel comfortable speaking with their patients about this sensitive issue. As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists will continue to fill an important gap in this area, having the ability to reach out to women seeking information and education regarding emergency contraception. There are two main forms of emergency contraception: pills and the copper intrauterine device IUD.

The copper IUD should be placed into your uterus by a doctor up to 5 days after having unprotected intercourse and can be left there for up to 10 years to prevent pregnancy. There are three different types of pills that can be used. Regular birth-control pills can be taken at higher doses. You will need to discuss with your doctor which birth-control pills and how many to take. They are given in two doses, 12 hours apart. They should be taken within 72 hours after having unprotected intercourse.

Pills containing the hormone levonorgestrel are sold OTC. You do not need a prescription to purchase them. One common brand is PlanB One-Step. There are other brands and many generic versions available as well.

This is a single-dose pill and should also be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Ulipristal brand name: ella is available only by prescription. It is a single dose but can be taken up to 5 days after having unprotected intercourse. The pills work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg.

The IUD works by stopping the sperm from fertilizing the egg. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not end the pregnancy or hurt the growing baby. Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, especially if you are using regular birth-control pills. Levonorgestrel pills produce less nausea and vomiting. You may also have irregular bleeding, spotting, breast tenderness, and headache. The copper IUD may cause heavier and longer periods, but this should get better after a few months.

Your next period should come at the expected time, or within a week of your expected time. If your period is more than a week late, it is possible you may be pregnant, and you should get a pregnancy test. Declines in unintended pregnancy in the United States, N Engl J Med. Guttmacher Institute. Unintended pregnancy in the United States. Published January 26, Accessed July 30, Emergency contraception.

Br Med Bull. World Health Organization. Accessed August 3, Use of emergency contraception among women aged United States, Press announcements. FDA approves over-the-counter access for Plan B for women 18 and older. FDA approves Plan B One-Step emergency contraceptive for use without a prescription for all women of child-bearing potential. If you are overweight or obese, emergency contraception pills may not work as well to prevent a pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about methods that aren't affected by your weight, such as the copper IUD.

If you haven't started your period within 3 weeks after using emergency contraception, get a pregnancy test. Call your doctor if you have a headache, dizziness, or belly pain that is severe or that lasts longer than 1 week. If you are already pregnant, most pills won't harm the fetus. But some pills, such as ulipristal, may cause problems with the pregnancy. More research is needed to know for sure. An IUD could cause problems with the pregnancy. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Emergency Contraception. Top of the page. Topic Overview What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy if: You had sex without using birth control. Your birth control method failed. Maybe you forgot to take your pill or get your shot, the condom broke or came off, or your diaphragm slipped.

You were sexually assaulted. Even if you were using birth control, emergency contraception can help decrease your chance of getting pregnant. What are the types of emergency contraception? Emergency contraception pills : Pills used for emergency contraception are sometimes called "morning-after pills. The most common option contains a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel.

Progestin is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Another option is a medicine called ulipristal acetate for example, ella that affects the progesterone in your body. Some birth control pills are also used. These often contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. If you already take birth control pills, you may be able to use the pills you have as emergency contraception. Talk to your doctor or check the websites listed below for the correct doses.

It can be placed up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. How does it work? Emergency contraception pills work by preventing ovulation.