#emergencycontraception I had unprotected sex, now what?⠀
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You’re healthy, smart, and responsible, But guess what?⠀
Shit happens.⠀
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Maybe it was an unplanned decision, maybe you forgot a few pills, maybe the condom broke, maybe it wasn’t your decision at all. ⠀
Whatever the case may be, the question at hand is: ⠀
What the f*$k do I do now? You need to think about 2 things: testing for sexually transmitted infections and emergency contraception (EC)⠀
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#STIs⠀
See your doctor. They will test you for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV. They may also repeat syphilis, hep C, and HIV testing in 3-6 months.⠀
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#PregnancyPrevention⠀
There are 2 ways you can prevent pregnancy: IUD or Medication⠀
⠀ Any of the methods can be done up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but plan B and OCPs work better the sooner you take them⠀
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IUD⠀
The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception, but it has to be placed at a doctor’s office within 5 days of unprotected sex. You can also leave it in for up to 10 years for continued reliable contraception. A levonorgestrel IUD may also be an option for EC although there is less data on it so far⠀
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MEDICATION: 3 options⠀
1 Levonorgestrel (also called Plan B and several other names) - this is a larger single dose of progestin and can be purchased over the counter or online without a prescription. With a prescription, it’s often covered by insurance. Less effective for BMI over 25, but still can be tried. Something is usually better than nothing
2 Birth control pills - birth control pills with estrogen and progestin can be taken in higher doses, although this is less effective than all other methods. Talk to your doc first.
3 Ulipristal (Ella) - prescription only medication that alters how progesterone affects your body⠀
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Key word is PREVENTION. NONE of these can induce an abortion. The IUD works by making sperm immobile Medications work by preventing or delaying ovulation —> If you ovulate before taking the meds, they won’t be effective⠀
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What have you heard about emergency contraception?⠀