EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION TREATMENT
Also called: “Plan B” or “Morning After Pill”
ABOUT THIS SECTION
If you have intercourse (sex) without using birth control, your chance of becoming pregnant ranges from 2%–30%. We know sometimes birth control was not available or not a choice. In this section, you will read about a “Second Chance” method. We know that sometimes unprotected sex is about much more going on in our hearts and our heads. So here, you'll get to know our personalized care and attention that respects you and treats you with the dignity you deserve.
WE BELIEVE
The world is a better place when women have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, reproductive options and sexuality. And, we believe you deserve the most control and as many choices as possible.
We believe you have a right to a private conversation for asking questions and sharing concerns.
We believe you deserve respect and dignity when obtaining medical care and that quality medical caring is here, not in a public line at a pharmacy.
Here, we work from our hearts – and our hearts are open to yours.
WE PROMISE
You will find the privacy and personal attention without the lines, the strangers, the people you dread running into and the separation you'll encounter at a retail pharmacy.
Our care promise includes a FREE pregnancy test when you come in PLUS another FREE pregnancy test for follow-up 3 weeks later to make sure ECT worked for you. And, we're here for you for all your questions and concerns as you wait.
Because this is an emergency for you, we promise to see you immediately, without an appointment needed.
Here, we keep our promises.
Here, we make the world a better place for women.
PAGE CONTENTS
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Why come here instead of just a pharmacy?
Privacy. Personal attention. The time you need. Follow-Up Care. Save money. All your questions welcome. Individual medical caring for important medication. In short, Northland's special heart-focused care and the dignity and respect you deserve.
What is ECT?
Read about this FDA approved method & how it works
How long after sex is ECT effective?
Timing is crucial. Know the facts.
Side Effects & Danger Signals
ECT is medication. Knowledge is protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my period come? How do I know for sure it worked? These and many questions are answered in this section.
What Next?
If you are ready, you may want to start or resume reproductive healthcare. Don't let finances stand in your way. Check out our NEW! Quick! Start Birth Control and PLAN FIRST Programs.
Why come to Northland instead of
just a pharmacy?
Sometimes privacy is important. You don't want to stand in line with strangers, or maybe worse, people from work or people who know your parents and then have to ask permission from another stranger to have pregnancy prevention. Maybe you don't want everyone to hear you had unprotected sex, or sex at all. You certainly don't want to risk the hassles and embarrassment of being told “no” or being lectured by someone who has different beliefs and imposes them on you.
Here at Northland, you will have a private conversation with a caring health educator, woman-to-woman. You will receive full information and the time to ask all your questions, and to share concerns you certainly do not want to holler out loud in line at a pharmacy. Some issues are delicate or scary. We're here to listen and to offer both care and support.
Here, unlike a pharmacy, in addition to providing the medication, we offer personal care, full information, time for all your questions and concerns AND a FREE pregnancy test before you take ECT and another FREE pregnancy test after three weeks, to follow up and relieve your worry. Our care plan gives you more and saves you money, from $20 to $70, or even more.
Here at Northland, we are open to your needs, your worries and your questions. You'll have a real, and private, conversation with someone you can trust, someone who will listen and someone who cares about your health today and your dreams for your future.
Northland, we're here for YOU.
Why go anywhere else?
What is ECT?
The Emergency Contraceptive Treatment (ECT), or ”Plan B” or the "Morning After Pill" as it is sometimes called, is an FDA approved method that allows you a second chance at preventing pregnancy when you have had unprotected sex.
ECT decreases the chance of pregnancy by 75% – 89%.
This treatment is intended only for emergencies and not meant to be used as a regular method of contraception.
It is not as effective as other forms of birth control.
It does not protect against any STIs (including HIV/AIDS).
ECT is NOT effective in terminating an existing pregnancy.
How does it work?
The synthetic (artificial) hormones in the treatment medication change the body's signals. ECT may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
ECT is not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy or an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
So, it is extremely important that you:
- Watch for the Danger Signals
- Return to us for another FREE pregnancy test in 3 weeks.
No appointment necessary
We know this is an emergency for you so, ECT is provided on a walk-in basis. We have 3 Centers with convenient locations and hours to match your needs. There is no office visit charge and your pregnancy test is free.
We encourage you to bring your partner in this pregnancy alarm with you, if that is appropriate for you. Support is always helpful. We are authorized to sell ECT to men as well, but certainly prefer to speak directly with you. ECT is a medication and there is important information for you to know. We also know that sometimes unprotected sex is about much more than medication and we'd like to open the door for you to share your concerns and worries. We care about you and your health and your dreams.
Here, we work from our hearts and our hearts are open to yours.
Click here for Northland Locations and Maps
1-800-447-7354
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How long after sex is ECT effective?
This treatment was initially FDA approved for use within 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, recent studies have found that emergency contraceptive treatment pills can prevent pregnancy when either the first dose (one pill) or simultaneous dose (both pills taken together) is started up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
Please note: Results showed a higher rate of effectiveness when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Effectiveness declined the longer the woman waited.
In other words, to get the best possible success from ECT, women need to start the treatment as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
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Side Effects & Danger Signals If you do experience side effects, most are temporary.
Here, at Northland, not only will we provide you full information about your ECT and possible side effects and Danger Signals, but should you have any problems, you will have someone you trust to call – 24/7, not just during “pharmacy hours”. We will talk with you and listen to your concerns, and, if indicated, see you in the office, or recommend further testing or treatment.
We're in this with you – today, tonight, tomorrow... when you need us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my period?
You may experience spotting a few days after taking the medication. Your first period following ECT may be different than usual: later, earlier or heavier. Your periods should return to normal within two cycles. Repeat pregnancy testing or a pelvic exam is recommended if there is any doubt concerning the general health or pregnancy status of any woman after ECT.
Who cannot take ECT?
ECT cannot be taken by women with a confirmed or suspected pregnancy, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, an allergy to any component of the product or any of the following conditions: blood clotting disorder/heart attack/stroke, thrombophlebitis, impaired liver function, breast cancer or any cancer involving the reproductive organs. Women who are breast-feeding should stop for 24 hours after taking the medication.
Could I take ECT and still become pregnant?
Yes. ECT is not 100% effective and you could become pregnant.
Results showed a higher rate of effectiveness when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Effectiveness declined the longer the woman waited.
In other words, to maximize the effectiveness of ECT, start the treatment as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Do I need to return to the center after I take ECT?
No, but we highly recommend you do. And, it's FREE.
If you go to a pharmacy for this medication, there is no follow-up care.
Here, however, we care about you and know you are worried. So, we do a repeat FREE pregnancy test in 3 weeks. There is no additional charge for this visit and you do not need to make an appointment. You can see our care plan offers you so much more and saves you money, from $20 - $70, or more.
If you would like to see our female Nurse Practitioner for additional care (birth control or STI testing), please ask one of our staff for details and an appointment. Often, appointments are available the same day.
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What Next?
Taking care of your reproductive health means more, much more, than birth control. Good reproductive health care means screening for life-threatening cancers and screening for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) to help protect your health, your partner's health and your ability to have children in the future.
Check out our approach to your specialized care: Reproductive Health Care
Here, you'll also see that we offer many different choices for you to control your fertility in a way that matches your own lifestyle needs.
NEW! 3 Programs help you to take control of your reproductive healthcare even if finances are an issue. Check out:
Quick! Start Birth Control, our program that allows you to start birth control today and then have your pap smear within the year.
PLAN FIRST!, Michigan's FREE Family Planning Services coverage for women who qualify and do not have insurance coverage. Northland is proud to be an authorized provider.
HealthyMe! Program, immediate appointments just for testing for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) in order to help protect your health and future fertility.
Call us. We'd love to have a conversation with you about your reproductive healthcare.
Or drop by the Northland Center closest to you. Locations & Maps
While you're here, take a look at the rest of our website.
You'll find information and so much more.
Here, at Northland, your needs are first.
We offer caring you won't find anywhere else.
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Last page update: 9/07 |
