Emergency contraceptives (ECP's) or the morning after pill are a wonderful backup along with condoms. Many people have the misconception that ECP's are a form of early abortion. In reality they thicken the mucous in the cervix, possibly blocking sperm, stop ovulation, or can possibly inhibit implantation. They cannot end an existing pregnancy. These pills are hormonal but because they are a one time thing, the hormones are out of the system within 24 hours. They can be used within five days or 120 hours after intercourse. Nice thing to have if a condom breaks or comes off. They can be obtained at some doctor's offices or pharmacies, family planning clinics and any Planned Parenthood. As far as IUD's, they are actually a very safe method of birth control for a woman in a monogamous relationship (women at risk of sexually transmitted infections are not a good candidate because the device can spread infections more rapidly- not including infections such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis that are not STI's) There are IUD's available without hormones so it is a great drug free option. It is best to speak with your clinician on possible risks, which are minimal.

I was on depoprovera for years - and went though some serious health crises after that. I have spent years cleaning up my life - physically and emotionally. I don't take any chemicals or hormones. Last May, I took the ECP - due to a charting mistake with my ovulation. Ever since then, I have experienced lower right abdominal pain. This Wed, I went in for a laparotomy proceedure - becuase one of the tests showed a mass in my pelvic area. There was no mass but the Dr. did find some mild endometriosis and some cycsts on my left ovary. He told me, very seriously, that I needed to get my reproductive organs a break from ovulation... and that I needed to go on birth control. My hormones are already stressed - I've had lots of anxiety and weight gain and I don't even beleive in taking hormones...

He's pushing and my husband is pushing since if the endo comes back - it could cause endometriosis. I looked into the patch, and the ring - but it all seems the same junk to me.

PLEASE! I need help. Any opinions would be great.

Violove