Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception also known as the "Morning After Pill" consists of 2 doses of hormone pills, the first dose taken within 72 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse. These pills may reduce the possibility of pregnancy by at least 75% but are not intended to be used as a routine method of birth control.

The mechanism of action is not entirely clear. Emergency contraception may prevent the ovary from releasing an egg, prevent egg and sperm from joining, and/or change the lining of the uterus (womb) in such a way that if an egg is fertilized by a sperm, the fertilized egg may not attach (implant) and develop into a pregnancy. Emergency contraception does not interrupt an implanted pregnancy.

This method of treatment is not 100% effective. If treatment fails and pregnancy occurs, the patient must accept the risk involved should she decide to continue the pregnancy. However there is no evidence that this treatment will increase the risk of birth defects.

Some minor reactions to the pills may include nausea and/or vomiting, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding and headache.

Emergency contraception (Plan B) is available through Old Dominion University Student Health Services. You may call the Student Health Center at 757-683-3132 during regular working hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for a same day appointment. If you need emergency contraception when Student Health is closed, you may call Campus Police at 683-4000 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. They will contact the on-call clinician who will return your call.

More information is available at www.go2planB.com or www.webMD.com.