What Else Should I Know?

Experiencing a sexual assault can affect survivors in many different ways. You may find yourself feeling or behaving very differently than usual. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to react, and there is no universal way to respond to trauma such as sexual violence. Only you know how you feel and you have a right to express those feelings in whatever way you need to.

Many survivors experience:
 

If you have experienced some or all of these feelings following a sexual assault, remember that you are having a normal reaction to a very abnormal and traumatic experience. On the other hand, these reactions may not fit your experience at all, and that's okay too. Visit our "Survivors Page" to learn more about these and other reactions as well as how to cope with them.

Preventing Pregnancy

Victims have many fears and concerns after a sexual assault. One profound fear is that they may have become pregnant as a result of the rape. Pregnancy resulting from rape can easily be prevented using a medication called emergency contraception (EC). Emergency contraception dramatically reduces the chances of getting pregnant following a sexual assault. EC does not reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's).

Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Contraception

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception or EC, consists of a two dose regimen of oral contraceptives. The first dose is generally taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse, followed by a second dose 12 hours later. Recent studies have shown that it can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse however EC is more effective the sooner it is taken. Studies show that using EC reduces the chances of pregnancy by 75-89%.

How does EC work?

EC works by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, inhibiting fertilization, or preventing implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. Pregnancy is defined as starting at implantation. EC has no effect after fertilization. Therefore, if the woman is already pregnant, EC will not disrupt the established pregnancy and therefore cannot cause an abortion.

What types of EC are there?

The FDA has approved two prescription methods for EC. However, only one is still being manufactured and it is called "Plan B." Over a dozen brands of oral contraceptive pills can also be prescribed for EC in specific dosage regimens.

What is the difference between EC and "the abortion pill?"

EC should not be confused with mifepristone, previously called RU-486. EC prevents implantation from occurring and will not work if a woman is already pregnant. In the U.S., mifepristone, marketed under the brand name Mifeprex, is used as a medical method of terminating a pregnancy.

How safe is EC?

The American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Emergency Physicians support emergency contraception being available over-the-counter.

What are the side effects of EC?

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, headache, or a change in the timing of your next period. * if you experience abdominal pain, leg pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath, you should report to the hospital immediately.

How can I get EC?

• If you go to the emergency room after a sexual assault, ask the nurse or physician for emergency contraception. If you choose to report and an exam is performed, EC is offered as part of the examination procedure.
• If you choose not to go to the emergency room, or if the nurse or physician will not provide EC to you, seek out your local family planning clinic. To find a listing of these healthcare facilities in your area, call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE, a 24-hour referral hotline. You can also check out the website at http://not-2-late.com. In Georgia, you can also contact the Emergency Contraception Connection at 1-877-EC-PILLS or online at www.ecconnection.org for a medical assessment and prescription available 7 days a week.
• You can also contact your obstetrician/gynecologist or family physician. However, it is possible your physician may not be aware of emergency contraception.
• Emergency Contraception has been authorized to be offered over-the-counter for women over age 18, however not all pharmacies currently offer this medication over the counter or with a prescription. Call your pharmacists to ask if they offer EC. You can also call SAC for a list of local providers.

Summary: Any woman, regardless of the point in her menstrual cycle, who has had unprotected intercourse or has been sexually assaulted and does not desire pregnancy, is a candidate for emergency contraception.

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