Emergency Contraception
The "Morning After Pill" is an emergency contraception that should be taken ideally as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse. The sooner the pill is taken, the more chance there is that it will be effective.
How does the "Morning After Pill" work?
Pills contain levonorgestrel, a female hormone which helps prevent an egg being released from the ovaries. It also alters the lining of the womb to help prevent a fertilised egg embedding itself within the lining.
What treatments are available?
The most common emergency contraception treatment is Levonelle. The pill is effective however only up to 72 hours from intercourse.
Another treatment is Ellaone, which can be used up to 5 days from the time of intercourse.
How effective are the current treatments?
- Levonelle - there is a 95% success rate in preventing pregnancy if the pill is used within the first 24 hours from the time of intercourse. After that, the chances of pregnancy falls to about 55% if used within 72 hours.
- Ellaone - about 98 out of every 100 women who use Ellaone within 5 days will avoid becoming pregnant.
You should also only take one emergency contraceptive pill after having unprotected sex, and it can only be taken once during a menstrual cycle.
What about side effects?
Generally these are minimal for most women. A small number of women may experience physical sickness, dizziness, or irregular bleeding. If you vomit within 2 to 3 hours of taking the pill, you should consult your own doctor, as there is a chance that the pill has not had time to work.
Is there anything else I should know?
You should not take the morning after pill if you are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding.
You should consult your own doctor if after taking the morning after pill:
- You experience lower stomach pain or abnormal bleeding
- Your regular period doesn't happen within a couple of days of the expected date
How can I get the "Morning After Pill"?
Our doctors can prescribe the emergency contraceptive pill as a precautionary measure only. If you are seeking treatment for recent unprotected intercourse you should consult your own healthcare provider immediately, or visit a walk in centre.
You should also not rely on the morning after pill as a form of contraception. It should be used in “Emergencies Only” for those times when there has been a genuine oversight with your regular contraception. You should at all times practice safe sex, but as we all know accidents can and do happen and an unwanted pregnancy can be avoided.
