How effective are Emergency contraceptive pills
Emergency contraceptive pills are usually taken in two doses: one as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse and a second one 12 hours later. However, recent study results indicate that taking both doses of a progestin, or levonorgestrel, at once can substitute for two doses 12 hours apart [3]. Depending on the formulation used, ECPs reduce the risk of pregnancy from a single act of intercourse by up to 85 percent if the first dose is taken within 72 hours (three days) of intercourse [4]. Some research suggests that ECPs are more effective the sooner after intercourse they are taken [5]. Additional research indicates that they continue to offer some protection if taken up to 120 hours (five days) after intercourse [6]. How safe are emergency contraceptive pills? Emergency contraceptive pills are safe for all women. Because ECPs are used on a temporary basis, the contraindications that accompany standard oral contraceptive pills and many other methods of hormonal contraception do
