Ten Myths About Emergency Contraception
Although emergency contraception (EC) pills, often referred to as "the morning after pill," is available in many countries around the world and is accessible, without a prescription, for women over 17 years old, in the U.S. there is still a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding of how this works. In some states, the age is even lower.
Myth: Taking Emergency Birth Control May Stop Me From Becoming Pregnant Later, When I Want to Become Pregnant
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EC's stop a pregnancy from happening for 120 hours after you have had unprotected sex. They will not stop you from becoming pregnant at a later time. Like regular birth control pills, EC's can cause an irregular period for one to two months after taking it. It may make your flow heavier or lighter. Thirty to sixty days after taking an EC, your body should be back to normal.
Sources:
"Birth Control," 2011, Staff Writer, Family Health Services
"Emergency Contraception: Dispelling the Myths and Misperceptions," 2010, Elizabeth Westley and Anna Glasier, World Health Organization
