Using Birth Control Pills for Emergency Contraception

A high dose of certain types of birth control pills can be taken in place of the morning after pill as a form of emergency contraception. This approach, called the Yuzpe method, can be safe and effective when done correctly.

“There is a well-studied method of emergency contraception called the Yuzpe method that involves taking a higher dose of regular birth control pills that contain both progestin and estrogen…The Yuzpe method should be used only when you can’t get one of those more effective emergency contraception methods, and under supervision of a physician. It’s best used within three days of having unprotected sex.”