Birth Control Slideshow Pictures

When to Call the Doctor

If you experience severe abdominal pain, this could be a sign of tubal pregnancy, a condition that requires emergency medical care. Contact your health care provider immediately.

Emergency contraception pills are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, even when taken within 72 hours of intercourse. You still have a risk for pregnancy. You may need follow-up care if your normal menstrual cycle does not occur. Contact your health care provider if you do not have your period within 3 weeks of using emergency contraception or have symptoms of pregnancy.

Contraceptive pills do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Consider testing for sexually transmitted infections if the unprotected intercourse may have put you at risk. You may need follow-up care in the next few weeks if you develop any symptoms of sexually transmitted infections, such as pain, itching, sores, or discharge.