Health
Knowledge is the Key to Access
Source: Communications Strategies, Inc.
Jan 30, 2006, 14:05

The ABCs of Getting EC

NEW YORK--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Jan. 30, 2006--Behind the headlines lies one of the most unfortunate misunderstandings in women`s health today, the basic facts of emergency contraception - how to get it - how it works - and when - to use it.

Contrary to what most think, emergency contraception is currently available to all women by prescription through their healthcare provider and in eight states through pharmacy access.

Emergency contraception works by preventing ovulation or fertilization; it may also inhibit implantation. Once implantation begins however, emergency contraception is not effective. You take the first of two tablets as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of a contraception failure or unprotected intercourse, or within three days (72 hours). The second tablet should be taken 12 hours later. Emergency contraception will not work if a woman is already pregnant.

To avoid true emergency situations, Nancy Jasper, MD, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center recommends that women should have a conversation with their healthcare provider, and if appropriate request an advance prescription for emergency contraception during their office visit. ''Women should be prepared so they have emergency contraception on-hand and in time if they ever need it since contraceptive failures may occur on weekends or other times when healthcare providers` offices may be closed''.

In addition, there are many ways to obtain emergency contraception in an emergency situation. Many times a healthcare provider will call-in a prescription directly to a pharmacy. Women can also get emergency contraception from college health centers, women`s health centers, emergency rooms and Planned Parenthood.

The bottom line is that women need to know how to access emergency contraception. There is a myriad of informative resources available to them, including toll-free numbers and Web sites. All are comprehensive and simple to navigate. For more information on emergency contraception, Internet resources include NOT-2-LATE.com, go2ec.org, ec-help.org and Plannedparenthood.org. For listings of EC providers in your area call 1-888-NOT-2-Late. For information about state pharmacy access, call 1-877-EC-HELPS.

It is important to remember that emergency contraception does not protect against the AIDS virus (HIV) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Contact:
Sue Patton
Communications Strategies, Inc.
973-635-6669