Dunwoody Women’s Medical Group offers emergency contraception treatment - also known as Plan B. This is a medically tested combination of hormones that reduces the chance of pregnancy when a single encounter of sex happens without protection. Situations where the emergency contraception pill (ECP) might be appropriate include the following: condom broke or slipped off, unexpected sex occurred, forced sex, or birth control pills were stopped for more than one week.

Plan B works mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach itself to the wall of the uterus.  As long as an egg is not released or a fertilized egg does not become attached, a pregnancy will not develop. The pills contain the same hormones found in some birth control pills. However, not just any birth control pill can be used; so it is necessary for a physician to prescribe the pill.  ECP is not the same thing as the “Medical Abortion Pill” (RU-486).

The risk of pregnancy with an act of unprotected intercourse ranges from approximately 0% to 26% depending on the cycle day exposure in relation to ovulation. The risk of pregnancy is highest during the three days prior to ovulation and on the day of ovulation. During this interval, the rates increase to 15-26%.

ECP must begin within 72 hours (3 days) of the first episode of unprotected intercourse. When taken within 24 hours, emergency contraception treatment works 95% of the time

When taken within 48 hours, ECP works 84% of the time

When taken within 72 hours, ECP works 61% of the time

After 72 hours have passed, it is not effective.

If you need emergency contraception, call our office as soon as possible and schedule an appointment.  At your appointment, you will receive a pregnancy test and review your options with our registered nurse.

The initial fee for this service is $75.00. This includes all testing and medication.