Resources

Emergency contraception is like our little back-up friend who is the last line of defense against pregnancy. If you’re not on any type of preventative birth control, you can still protect yourself in the heat of the moment. Use a condom, or diaphragm, or enjoy outercourse (other activities other than vaginal sex). If none of these things happen, look to this famous back-up method: EC. (Sometimes you forget to take your pills, or you forget a condom, or you just need some peace of mind – whatever it is, EC can help.)

The “morning-after pill,” Plan B, or what we call emergency contraception (EC) is an awesome resource to take after sex to prevent pregnancy.

There are some EC options: over-the-counter (non-prescription), prescription, or the copper IUC. You can take EC up to five days (or 120 hours) after unprotected sex but effectiveness decreases each day if you are taking over-the-counter EC (like what you received at carafem, or Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way).

Ella, the newest form of EC, is available by prescription and it works up to 5 days, like other EC pills. Most importantly, it does not decrease in effectiveness during those 5 days.

Getting a copper IUC (brand name Paragard), is the most effective EC. It lowers your chance of pregnancy by 99.9%! However, it requires making an appointment, and having a provider insert it. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in using a copper IUC as EC.

Is your birth control not working for you? Find out what other options you have to prevent pregnancy.

It’s been more than 5 days since your unprotected moment? Think you’re already pregnant? You still have options. Read more information about emergency contraception.

What is Depo Provera?
Depo Provera, DMPA, or “the shot” contains a progestin. This is similar to the hormone progesterone, which is naturally produced by the female body. DMPA is given by injection every 12 weeks and is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera is the brand name of DMPA.

How does DMPA work?
DMPA works by:

• preventing ovulation (egg release from the ovary)
• thickening of the mucus of the cervix so that sperm cannot enter the uterus (womb)

How effective is DMPA?
DMPA is up to 99% effective. This means that of 100 people using DMPA consistently over a year, it is possible that 1 woman may become pregnant.

What are the advantages of DMPA as a method of contraception?

• a long-acting, highly effective method of contraception
• does not require daily pill-taking
• inexpensive
• suitable for people who can’t take contraceptives containing estrogen

What are the disadvantages of DMPA as a method of contraception?
DMPA changes bleeding/period patterns. It is not possible to predict which changes will occur, but they can include:

• most commonly, periods stop completely after the first or second injections
• irregular or spot bleeding
• prolonged bleeding (this is usually light, however, can cause inconvenience to people)
• heavy bleeding (rare)

What are the possible side effects of DMPA?
DMPA has few side effects. However, side effects may include:

• small weight gain in some people
• headaches
• acne
• change in sexual interest
• mood changes

DMPA use is associated with a slight loss of bone density, but this loss is largely reversible once DMPA use finishes. The injection is long-acting and if side effects occur they may last up to 3 months (it is not possible to reverse the effects of an injection once it is given).

For more information or to report an adverse event, you can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The Difference Between Emergency Contraception and the Abortion Pill.

Both emergency contraception and the abortion pill (medical abortion), are excellent resources should you find yourself with an unintended situation.

Whether the condom broke, you forgot to take some birth control pills, you’re a little late getting your shot, or maybe you didn’t know what birth control to use. Things happen. You still have options: emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy, or the abortion pill for if you have become pregnant and you don’t want to be.

There are some key differences between the two methods. Here’s a chart to map out those differences and help you figure out your next steps.

The most important difference: have you just had sex and are looking for a way to prevent pregnancy? Look to emergency contraception. Or have you already taken a pregnancy test that says you’re pregnant, and you don’t want to be? Look to the abortion pill.

Finding out you’re pregnant:

If you had vaginal sex and haven’t gotten your period since having sex, it may be a good idea to get a pregnancy test.

Some potential signs of pregnancy:

• Missing your period
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Tiredness

Finding out you’re pregnant can cause a lot of different reactions. It may be helpful to take some time to really process what is happening, and then to reach out to a support person to help talk through some of your options.

In addition to our services, there are several online resources we recommend:

• pregnancyoptions.com
• yourbackline.org
• imaginecounseling.com

Deciding on abortion:

carafem supports you no matter what you choose. You can call us anytime to discuss what you’re going through and we can help you plan and prepare for next steps—judgment-free and with clear information.

Some questions to think about:

• How do you feel about being pregnant? Do you want to have a baby? Is this the right time to be responsible for a child?
• What are your values around when and how you would like to be a parent?
• Would you be able to take care of a baby? Would you be able to afford it?
• Would you have a support system to help raise this child?
• What will happen to your goals, hopes, and overall life path?
• Would you still be able to go to school? Participate in activities or clubs? Go to college? Or pursue the kind of career you want?
• How will this affect my other children?

If you are thinking about abortion, making your decision within the first 10 weeks will make it a safer, less expensive, and easier process.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that laws around abortion, minors, and parental notification or consent vary state by state. If you have some questions, give us a call at (855) Say-Cara or you can visit Janes Due Process or If/When/How.

Talking to an adult:

Telling an adult, especially your parents, “I’m pregnant” and/or “I want an abortion”, may seem like the hardest conversation you will ever have. If you need help, carafem can be with you throughout this process.

Some quick pointers:

• Choose the right time
• Keep calm and stick to the facts.
• Keep in mind: being uncomfortable is only temporary—you will have to move forward one way or another.
• They may take some time to process like you did.
• You know what’s best for yourself, but it can be helpful to involve a supportive person to help think things through.

Check out these links for more tips:

• Mom, Dad, I’m Pregnant
• Teenage Pregnancy – 10 Tips for Telling Your Parents