"EC is available to WU students at Student Health Services during business
hours. After business hours, EC
is available over the counter with no prescription required. Go to the
nearest pharmacy and request Plan B. The pharmacist will assist you in
purchasing the medication. You may call the after hours nurse if you have
any questions or need help obtaining the medication. "
Emergency Contraception (EC)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency Contraception (EC) is a "back up" birth control method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when a contraceptive measure fails. The FDA has approved an EC medication called Plan B® (levonorgestrel). It is an oral pill that contains concentrated doses of progestin, a hormone found in daily birth control pills.
How can I get EC?
When SHS is open, all female students requesting EC may go to the pharmacy, or if closed, the triage nurse. The pharmacist or the nurse will connect you with the medicine for immediate or future use. (You also may request it directly from any medical provider with whom you have an appointment).
After business hours, EC is available over the counter with no prescription required. Go to the nearest pharmacy and request Plan B. The pharmacist will assist you in purchasing the medication. You may call the after hours nurse if you have any questions or need help obtaining the medication. The physician will call the pharmacy of your choice with your prescription.
- Walgreens Pharmacy - open 24 hours - (721-6013)
- Schnucks Pharmacy (644-3580)
- Williams Pharmacy (727-4854)
While you wait for the medication, we will give you the manufacturer's brochure and this information to read:
Facts about emergency contraception and related services at Washington University in St. LouisWhat’s the deal with Plan B® ?
The brochure provided by the manufacturers of Plan B®contains information about how to take the medication, side effects that you might notice, and some reasons why you should not take the medication. Please read this information carefully. You may ask the nurse or pharmacist any questions regarding the medication. Please note that we dispense Plan B® up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. Although the manufacturer states that it can be used up to 72 hours after sex, studies have shown that it works (albeit not as well) for up to 120 hours. If you are concerned that you might be pregnant from a prior sexual encounter, or if you are worried because your period is late, you may request a free pregnancy test from a nurse or pick up a free home pregnancy test along with more information in the women’s restroom in our waiting area. EC cannot end a pregnancy that has already started As stated in the brochure, Plan B® does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss concerns about STIs, you may do so online via our Web site, by phone, or in person. The Habif Health and Wellness Center offers comprehensive women’s health services. We welcome you to discuss routine, reliable contraception or any other concerns. If you are taking Plan B® because of an unwanted sexual encounter, please be aware that Washington University provides survivor support services both at the Habif Health & Wellness Center and through the offices below. We encourage you to talk with professionals trained to listen to your concerns and provide guidance.
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How doesPlan B® work?
According to the FDA, "Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) act by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, and/or altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova (thereby inhibiting fertilization), and/or altering the endometrium (thereby inhibiting implantation)" (FDA, 1997). Most often, ECPs reduce the risk of pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (Marions, et al., 2002). Progestin-only (such as Plan B ®) ECPs work only by preventing ovulation or fertilization , and have no effect on implantation (Croxatto, et al., 2003).
Is EC the same as the morning-after pill or the abortion pill?
EC is often referred to as the morning-after pill because it can be taken “the morning after” unprotected sex to help prevent pregnancy. But EC is not an abortion pill. Mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486 and also called "the abortion pill," is a drug that induces abortion when administered in early pregnancy. This is totally different from Plan B ® or any emergency contraceptive. EC cannot end a pregnancy that has already started.
Why is EC important?
According to research studies by the Alan Guttmacher Institute and the Office of Population Research at Princeton University, 3 million unintended pregnancies in the U.S. occur each year. EC has the potential to reduce this number by half, and to prevent as many as 800,000 abortions each year.
In what situations can EC be used?
EC can be used in emergency situations including:
- unprotected sex
- contraceptive failure, slippage, or breakage
- missed contraceptive shot, pills, patch, etc.
-
unwanted sex/sexual assault
How effective is EC?
EC is most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The EC used at Washington U., Plan B ®, contains only progestin. Progestin-only EC is 89% effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and 95% effective if taken within 24 hours. EC can be effective for up to 120 hours (5 days), but to ensure effectiveness, should be taken as soon as possible.
Is EC safe?
YES. EC is FDA-approved and has been used by millions of women around the world safely and effectively (Glasier, 1997; Guillebaud, 1998).
What are the side effects?
Some women report minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and/or menstrual changes.
How often can a woman use EC?
It may be used as many times as needed, but it should not substitute for regular contraception. It will not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI's) including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. (Using condoms will reduce the risk of STI's).
EC is not substitute for routine, reliable contraception because it is not as effective as other forms of contraception. With no contraception, a sexually active woman has a significant risk of getting pregnant each year (85%). With Plan B used each time indicated, she would have a 19% risk. With consistent condom use, she would have a 3-14% yearly risk (3% with perfect use). With regular use of oral ontraceptive pills, she would have<0.1% risk.
How much does Plan B ® cost?
Plan B is $10 at SHS and approximately $40 at local pharmacies
Who can I talk to if I am considering EC but not sure what to do?
EC Advocates are student and staff volunteers informed about EC and trained to act as a resource for students considering whether and how to obtain EC. They do not impose their opinions on the student. They are available via phone, email, or in person. The 2007-08 EC Advocates are:
Matt Adler |
Anupam Kumar |
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You can contact any EC Advocate via:
- WU directory
- Health Promotion Services 935-7139
- Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource Center 935-5099
- Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Helpline (SARAH) 935-8080
- RCD’s and RA’s
Call 935-7139 for information on the next EC Advocate Training
session
Each EC Advocate signed this confidentiality agreement:
“By participating in this training and functioning as a Washington University EC Advocate, you agree to maintain confidentiality of all student information. You agree to not reveal, distribute, or discuss any information you obtain regarding a student who utilizes your services as an EC Advocate, not even with another EC Advocate.”
More WU Staff and Student Resources:
Katherine Uram, RNC, WHNP
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Medical Services
935-7390David Mellinger, MD
Chief Physician, Student Health Services
935-4935Uncle Joe’s
935-5099SARAH
935-8080EST
935-5555
How can I find out more about EC?
- Comprehensive EC website: ec.princeton.edu
What if I may have been raped?
Seek help right away. Start with Coping with Sexual Assault: A Resource Guide for Survivors and Friends: shs.wustl.edu/healthPromotion/copingWithSexualAssault.htm
You may fill out an Anonymous Report Form of Sexual Assault, Rape, and Other Forms of Sexual Violence
