Texas State - Student Health Center

What are ECPs and how do they work?
ECPs, also known as the morning after pill, are a set of birth control pills that a woman can take after she has unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. The hormones in the pills temporarily disrupt hormone production in the ovaries. This will delay ovulation if it has not already occurred and will make the uterine lining unsuitable for implantation of an egg if fertilization has occurred. ECPs will not affect an existing pregnancy and they are not the same as RU-486 (Mifepristone), a pill that induces a medical abortion after a woman is already pregnant.

ECPs are given in 2 doses of hormonal pills taken 12 hours apart. You will be encouraged to take the first dose as soon as possible. You will take the second dose home with you to be taken 12 hours later.

ECPs work best when the first dose is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex and have been shown to be effective up to 120 hours. The effectiveness of ECPs increases the sooner they are taken. If it is beyond 120 hours since you have had unprotected sex, call the Student Health Center at (512) 245-2167 to talk to a medical provider.

Why would I want to use ECPs?
The choice to use ECPs is a personal one and your decision may be based on the following circumstances:

The condom broke or slipped off
You forgot to take birth control pills during your current cycle
Your diaphragm or cervical cap slipped out of place

Your partner did not pull out in time or used the withdrawal method
You were not using any birth control
You were forced to have unprotected vaginal sex
You were unable to remember whether protection was used

How effective are ECPs in preventing pregnancy?
There are two types of ECPs: the combined ECP and the progestin-only ECP. The combined ECP, such as Preven, has a combination of two hormones: progestin and estrogen, the same hormones that are found in birth control pills. The combined ECPs have a 75 percent effectiveness rate.

The second type of ECPs are the progestin-only ECPs, such as Plan B. As the name implies, the only hormone in these pills is progestin. Because of this, you will have a decreased chance of experiencing side effects. In addition, the progestin-only ECPs have an 89 percent effectiveness rate.

However, either type of ECP should be taken as soon as possible in order to have the most effect. This means that the first dose should be taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex. Doing so will increase your chances of preventing pregnancy

Will I experience any side effects after taking ECPs?
The most common side effect of combined ECPs is nausea. Vomiting is a less common side effect, but if you vomit within the first two hours of taking an ECP, the dose will have to be repeated. If you are particularly prone to nausea, speak with your medical provider and they may give you extra pills and an anti-nausea medication, such as Dramamine, in order to prevent the nausea. Taking ECPs with food may also help.

Besides the nausea and vomiting, you may also experience breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, dizziness or headaches. These side effects subside within a day or two after taking both sets of pills.

When will my next period occur?
Taking emergency contraceptive pills may alter the timing of your next period. Menstrual bleeding may begin a few days earlier or a few days later than would have been expected. If menstrual bleeding does not begin within 3 weeks after taking ECPs, contact your medical provider to discuss pregnancy testing or alternative reasons for not beginning a period.

What happens if I use ECPs more than once?
We do not recommend using ECPs as a regular form of birth control because they are not as effective as other contraceptive methods. However, it is not dangerous to take ECPs repeatedly. If you do not want to become pregnant, you should talk with your medical provider about a contraceptive method that would work for you.

Where and how do I purchase ECPs?
To obtain ECPs, you should visit a local pharmacy within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse. If you have additional questions, you should schedule a visit with a medical provider.

Resources on campus
If you are currently enrolled at Texas State you may receive health care at the Student Health Center.
- You can purchase ECPs over-the-counter at the Student Health Center pharmacy.
- The Student Health Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call 512-245-2167 for additional information.
Resources off-campus
Since ECPs are now available over-the-counter, you should contact your local pharmacy for information about their hours, cost, and procedures for purchasing ECPs. You may also wish to contact the local Planned Parenthood for more information about ECPs.
If you want more information about ECPs, you can always contact Planned Parenthood or visit the Princeton-affiliated website, www.not2late.com.

Can I get ECPs in advance?
If you are going on an extended trip or are worried about your contraceptive method failing, talk with your local pharmacist. They may be able to provide you with additional ECPs or suggest that you speak with a medical provider.

Links you can use
Health Education Resource Center (512) 245-2309
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome to obtain confidential answers to health questions. Located in suite 201 of the Student Health Center at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.

Student Health Center (512) 245-2167
Located at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.
Confidential information and care is available by appointment with a physician or nurse. There are no fees for medical care at the Student Health Center. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.

Last Modified: June 4, 2007