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.
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
Your sexual history directly influences your physical, mental and emotional health in a multitude of ways
You may be more prone to hot flashes if you have anxiety, but hot flashes can also rev up anxiety
While it’s probably not your most fertile time, it is possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period
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
Even a little alcohol can slow your recovery, so it’s best to wait until after you finish your antibiotics before imbibing
Both are needed for a healthy body
Heat starts in your chest and moves up to your neck and face … and then, the sweating begins
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims