Inspired by our November 1999 meeting, Tennesseans for Choice is
making plans to issue an informational pamphlet to promote awareness of
emergency contraception in our area. We hope to distribute the pamphlet
at public events such as Mayfest, in public places, and in the waiting
rooms of physicians who agree to cooperate with the effort.
As currently planned, the pamphlet will describe emergency contraception, tell where to obtain it, and advise women on pitfalls they may encounter when seeking emergency contraception. The information comes from a variety of sources, including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Office of Population Research at Princeton University, and TFC's own research.
Some excerpts from the review draft of the pamphlet follow.
Some people call emergency contraceptive pills "morning after pills."
But you do not have to wait until the morning after. You can start the
pills right away or up to three days after you have had unprotected sex
-- that is, sex during which you did not use birth control or your birth
control may have failed. Therapy is more effective the earlier it is started
within the 3-day period.
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills. One type is nothing
more than ordinary birth control pills that contain hormones called estrogen
and progestin. One brand name called Preven is especially packaged and
labeled for emergency use. Some other brands of birth control pills can
be used instead, but not all brands will work. You should never try to
use any kind of birth control pills for emergency contraception unless
you have a prescription and instructions for this use.
About half the women who use this type of emergency contraception get
nauseated, and 20% vomit. Use of this pill cuts the chance of pregnancy
by 75%. This does not mean that 25% of women using emergency contraceptive
pills will become pregnant. Rather, if 100 women had unprotected intercourse
once during the second or third week of their cycle, about 8 would become
pregnant. Following treatment with emergency contraception pills, only
2 would become pregnant -- this is a 75% reduction.
The other type of emergency contraceptive pill contains only the hormone
called progestin. This type is specially packaged and labeled for use as
the brand name Plan B. It is more effective than the first type, and the
risk of nausea and vomiting is also lower. If the same 100 women used Plan
B, only 1 would get pregnant -- an 89% reduction.
If you have an OB-Gyn doctor that you see regularly, contact your
doctor's office. Even if you are not a regular patient, you may find that
a local OB-Gyn will assist you in this situation.
Call a local clinic (verified list to be provided).
Outside of East Tennessee, call the toll-free Emergency Contraception Hotline 1.888.NOT.2.LATE (1-888-668-2528) for help finding a nearby provider. Or visit the Not-2-Late.Com website: <http://ec.princeton.edu/>
If you were raped, ask the emergency room medical staff for emergency
contraception.
Most women can safely use emergency contraceptive pills, even if
they cannot use birth control pills for their regular birth control.
Emergency contraception is not abortion. It works only before a
pregnancy has been established.
If you are looking for emergency contraception, chances are you
are feeling worried or even panicked. Here are some tips to help you through
the process of getting emergency contraception.
Be prepared to ask for "emergency contraception" by name. Do not be
surprised if the person answering the phone does not say the words "emergency
contraception" or "the morning-after pill" if you do not ask for it by
name. Staff may simply assume you know what you're looking for.
Even when you call a medical provider who has been recommended as someone
who prescribes emergency contraception, the staff person who answers the
phone may not know about emergency contraception or that the office provides
it. If the receptionist does not have information on emergency contraception
or does not know if it is provided there, ask to speak to a nurse or doctor.
Some health care providers or clinics may not be able to see you within
the three-day time frame. This problem is most likely to arise on nights
and weekends. Remember, the first dose of emergency contraceptive pills
should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. If you are
concerned about running out of time, you might try your local emergency
room.
Some providers may not see you if you are not an established patient
of theirs. If they cannot see you for whatever reason, ask for a referral.
You may ask whether the doctor or clinic will phone in a prescription
for emergency contraception to your pharmacist. Some will do this, but
often you will be asked to go to the office for a physical exam or a pregnancy
test.
Yes! If you don't need emergency contraception right now but think you
might need it some day in case of a contraceptive failure, you can plan
ahead. Ask your doctor about giving you a prescription so you can keep
a supply on hand or get the prescription filled quickly when you need it.