 Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception pills (Morning After Pill) has two high doses of hormones taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. This includes when contraception fails (i.e. broken condom, missed pill), when contraception has not been used or when a woman is forced to have sex. Emergency contraception works by preventing ovulation or by changing the lining of the uterus so a pregnancy cannot become established. Emergency contraceptive pills need to be prescribed by a doctor and are available from most general practitioners and from Family Planning. After taking emergency contraceptive pills the risk of pregnancy is reduced by 98%.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
You can get emergency contraception from your local Family Planning clinic or doctor. You will need a prescription for emergency contraceptive pills.
Does emergency contraception cause an abortion?
No. Abortion is considered to take place after the fertilized ovum is implanted in the uterus. Emergency contraception prevents this.
Are there any side effects?
Nausea is common and some women experience vomiting. Your breast may become tender and dizziness can occur. If emergency contraception does not work there is no risk to the fetus or the pregnancy.
How do I take them?
Two pills within 72 hours of having sex followed by two more pills 12 hours later. Usually another tablet to prevent vomiting is given 20 minutes before both doses. If you vomit within 3 hours of taken the pills another dose should be taken.
When will my next period come?
Your period could come a few days later after the pills have been taken, it may come at the usual time or it could be delayed. If your period does not start within 3 weeks or if you have bleeding it is important to see a doctor.
Can emergency contraception protect me from another case of intercourse?
Emergency contraception pills can't prevent you from becoming pregnant in another case of intercourse. An IUCD will, however provide protection until it is removed.
An IUCD is a small plastic and copper device that is placed into a woman's uterus by a doctor. It can be left there for 10 years before being replaced. The IUCD makes changes in the uterus making it hard for a pregnancy to occur and preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum. IUCD's are available from general practitioners, gynecologists and Family Planning clinics. The failure rate is 1%. An IUCD needs to be fitted by an experienced doctor.
Spermicide
Spermicide (foam or jelly) is a chemical that kills the sperm and is put into the woman's vagina before she has intercourse. It is not effective for use on it's own, but it can be used with a diaphragm or a condom for added protection.
Spermicides are inserted high in the vagina. Some of the advantages are simple to use, immediately reversible, no prescription is needed, and it's relatively inexpensive. After using it for one year the effectiveness is about 79%, after that it's slightly higher. |
