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Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Birth Control
It's normal to have questions about emergency birth control, especially about how it works, how often you can use it, and what to expect after you take it.
How do emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) work?
A woman does not usually get pregnant immediately after having unprotected sex. Often, it takes several days for the sperm and the egg to meet. So it's not too late to prevent a pregnancy. ECPs can:
- Stop your body from releasing an egg
- Stop the sperm from penetrating the egg
- Stop the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus
Do emergency contraceptive pills cause an abortion?
No, ECPs do not cause an abortion. You may have heard of mifepristone (brand name: Mifeprex), sometimes called the "abortion pill." ECPs are different from this kind of pill. They do not harm a developing fetus if you take them when you are pregnant.
How often can I use emergency birth control?
Emergency contraception is a good choice for urgent situations. You can use ECPs more than once, but it is less effective than routine methods of birth control. If you are sexually active, we can help you find a method of birth control that is more effective and comfortable for you.
Where can I get emergency contraceptive pills?
Kaiser Permanente members of any age can call for a prescription. Alternately, if you are over 18 years of age, you can buy ECPs from our pharmacy without a prescription.
What should I do if I throw up after taking my pills?
If you vomit within one hour of taking your ECPs, you should give us a call. If you vomit one hour or more after taking the pills, they'll still be effective and you don't need to do anything else.
What will happen to my menstrual cycle after I take ECPs?
Your next cycle may start a few days earlier or later than usual, and may be heavier or lighter than usual. If your period doesn't start within 3 to 4 weeks, you should take a pregnancy test.
What should I do if I am worried about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Remember that ECPs do not prevent STDs. If you have unprotected sex, make an appointment to be screened for STDs. Certain infections such as chlamydia don't always have symptoms, but can lead to pelvic infections and infertility. It is important to use condoms to protect yourself against STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
How can I get on birth control after I take ECPs?
Now is the time to get started on a regular, reliable birth control method. While ECPs are a good choice for preventing pregnancy after you have unprotected sex, there are better, more reliable ways to make sure you don't get pregnant. You can talk to us about your options. We can discuss the risk of pregnancy associated with each type of birth control method and help you choose a birth control method that is best for you.
What if I was forced or pressured to have sex? Is there anything else I should do besides taking ECPs?
Being pressured or forced to have sex is common, but it's not okay. It can happen even in long-term relationships. It's also not okay for someone to refuse to wear a condom to protect against pregnancy or STDs, or to otherwise interfere with your birth control. If this is happening to you, you can get help by talking to us or:
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 800-799-7233
- Visit the National Sexual Assault Hotline or call 800-656-4673
- If you are a teen, visit the National Teen Dating Violence website: loveisrespect.org
- You Deserve a Safety Zone
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.