How do I get emergency contraception?

You go to a hospital, clinic or doctor's office and tell them that you need emergency contraception. They will ask you a series of questions to determine if the morning after pill is right for you. They may even do a pregnancy test to ensure that you are not already pregnant. If you are a good candidate for the treatment you will be given the necessary pills. If it is too late for this option you can ask the doctor about your other choices. Availability of emergency contraception for teens in your area may be limited by law or by parental consent - to find out about availability in your area call your local crisis or pregnancy hotline.

What are the side effects, long and short term, of emergency contraception?

Possible short-term side effects of emergency contraception are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Infertility
• Breast tenderness
• Blood clotting

In rare cases where pregnancy has already occurred before the pills are taken the cycle may cause an ectopic pregnancy which can be life threatening. The long-term effects of the morning after pill are thought to be no different than those associated with regular use of birth control pills although there have been no definitive studies on the subject.

Next Page > FAQ's on Teen Pregnancy Part 4 > Pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8