Advertisement
The short answer from an Ob/Gyn
A: There is a well-studied method of emergency contraception called the Yuzpe method that involves taking a higher dose of regular birth control pills that contain both progestin and estrogen.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
But it’s not the preferred method, because it causes more side effects and is less effective than other methods such as:
The Yuzpe method should be used only when you can’t get one of those more effective emergency contraception methods, and under supervision of a physician. It’s best used within three days of having unprotected sex.
The number of pills you would take depends on the brand of birth control that you have. The Yuzpe regimen calls for 200 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, which is the estrogen component of a birth control pill, and 1 mg of the progesterone – we recommend a levonorgestrel.
You take that dosage in two separate sitting – the first half as soon as possible after unprotected sex (up to five days afterward) and the other half 12 hours later. (This chart lists the specific number of pills that add up to that dosage for many different birth control brands.)
It’s generally thought to be about 75% effective at preventing pregnancy, but it would not stop or harm a pregnancy if you are already pregnant. It may also cause extreme nausea because of the amount of estrogen being taken.
Advertisement
Your Ob/Gyn can help you find the most appropriate contraceptive option for you.
— Ob/Gyn Diedre McIntosh, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Today’s birth control pills don’t usually cause depression — but hormones affect everyone differently
No, you can’t prevent pregnancy by douching after sex, having sex standing up or having sex only at the ‘safe’ time
IUDs can make your period lighter, heavier, irregular or stop it completely
Birth control gel is simple to use and an effective method for preventing pregnancy
The scenarios vary based on how many pills you’ve missed and whether you take a combination pill or progestin-only pill
Despite popular opinion, scientific research shows that most birth control methods don’t contribute to weight gain
Certain seizure medications, HIV treatments, antibiotics or herbal supplements can make your oral contraception less effective
Some birth control can hide perimenopausal symptoms
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods