ting. Breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, and headaches may also occur. These side affects usually begin to disappear one or two days after the second ECP has been taken ("Planned Parenthood," 1998). Women may also experience a change in the length and timing of their next period. If ECP's are used frequently, periods may become irregular and unpredictable. The IUD is often considered the most effective form of emergency contraception and the only method that provides long-term contraception. However, because of the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in women who are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) makes it difficult to find women who can be given an IUD (Morgan and Deneris, 1997). In other words, victims of sexual assault or promiscuous women should be discouraged from using an IUD until screening for STD's can be done. Along with STD's, limitations should be made to women who have a history of ectopic pregnancy, or severe dysmenorrhea, or menorrhagia. Some side effects for IUD insertion may include abdominal discomfort, vaginal bleeding or spotting and infection. Possible side effects of IUD use include heavy menstrual flow, cramping, infection, infertility, and uterine puncture ("Planned Parenthood," 1998).Other types of emergency contraception include "mini-pills" and mifepristone. "Mini-pills" as they are often called are progestin-only pills. They are a good option to those who can not take estrogen and are not good IUD candidates. They may be as effective as the Yuzpe regimen (Davies, 1997). However, the progestin-only method has not been as extensively studied as the combined pills. The progestin-only pills also need to be taken within 48 hours of intercourse to be effective. The future of emergency contraception may depend on the success of mifepristone (RU-486) which is currently being studied for use in the U.S.. It appears to be better tolerated and more effective when used as an emerg...
