There are various things that you need to know about emergency contraceptives. The complex history of a very popular emergency contraceptive, Plan B, created a lot of myths and misunderstanding about emergency contraceptives. Below we have put together few well researched facts about emergency contraceptives that you should be acquainted with.

Emergency contraceptives with RU-486 that is used in medical abortion and Plan B are two different things. RU-486 consists of a synthetic steroid, mifepristone that intercepts the production of progesterone in body, which is required for pregnancy. On the other hand, Plan B has nothing to do with progesterone. It is two small pills that contains levonorgestrel hormone, the same that is found in regular birth control pills, except it comes in a stronger dose. The first pill should be taken more than twenty four hours after you have had sex and the second pill twelve hours later.

Emergency contraceptive should always be considered as a last option. You should consider it only if you have been involved in an unsafe intercourse or if your standard contraception goes wrong. Emergency contraceptive restrains or delay ovulation and thus it is effectual only if the process of implantation has begun.

Emergency contraceptive are more likely to work if you take it right after sexual intercourse. Therefore, teens and women should always keep an emergency contraceptive readily available. For Plan B, consider getting a prescription beforehand, so that it is available when you need it. Copper TIUD is another type of emergency contraception that you can be implanted five days after you have had sex.

Abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, menstrual changes, dizziness and diarrhea are some of the side effects that certain emergency contraceptives may cause. While certain emergency contraceptives can bring on your period right away having it. The affects of emergency contraceptives may vary from one person to another.

You should know that emergency contraceptives will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Besides, an emergency contraceptive should not be replaced with other consistent form of birth control.