Immediate Help
What Will Happen at the Emergency Room?
Pregnancy and Emergency Contraception
If you are a female survivor, and were assaulted by a man, there is a chance that pregnancy may result from the assault. The chances are lower if you are on birth control, but a pregnancy test is recommended for all female survivors of child-bearing age. If you identify as a female-to-male (FTM) trans person, and your attacker was biologically male, you are at risk of becoming pregnant if your reproductive organs have not been removed. You can become pregnant even if you are taking testosterone, and it is important to take a pregnancy test and to decide whether you want emergency contraception. You can request a pregnancy test at the time of your exam, but an accurate pregnancy test can only be given six weeks after your last period. Make sure you return to the hospital for a pregnancy test six weeks after the examination. Having a late period does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. Stress, tension, and worry, all of which can follow a sexual assault, can cause you to have a late period. If you do not have a private physician, the hospital ER can refer you to a doctor or health clinic.
Emergency contraception is a medication that can be given at the time of your medical exam to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is only effective within 72 hours of the assault. Emergency contraception is not a form of abortion; it is a heavy dose of normal birth control pills.Hospitals are required to provide information on emergency contraception. Rape crisis center advocates can also provide information on emergency contraception and the location of the nearest pharmacy that will fill your prescription.
