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Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) |
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Emergency contraception can be used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after sexual contact where there is a risk of unintended pregnancy. This usually occurs either when no contraception was used or when a contraceptive method may have failed (pills were missed, condom broke or fell off, diaphragm dislodged) or an unreliable method like 'withdrawal' was used.
The methods of emergency contraception available in Australia include emergency contraceptive pills and the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Emergency contraceptive pills need to be started within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. There are many types of pills, but the two main options of emergency contraceptive pills are progestogen-only pills or combined pills, containing progestogen and oestrogen. This method involves taking two doses of emergency contraceptive pills. One dose is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and the second is taken 12 hours later. An IUD can be inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse. The IUD is not suitable for all women and is better suited to women who have already had at least one child and are in need of ongoing contraception. Emergency contraception works by: - delaying ovulation (the release of an ovum (egg) from the ovary)
- causing changes in the lining of the uterus (womb), preventing implantation of the fertilised ovum
Of those women who take the combined emergency contraceptive pills after a single episode of unprotected sex, 97% will avoid pregnancy. Nausea is a common side effect of the combined emergency contraceptive pill, and some women experience vomiting. Breast tenderness, headaches and dizziness may also occur. If the emergency contraception fails, there is no evidence of increased risk of harm to the pregnancy, if it continues. For women who take the progestogen-only emergency contraceptive pill, 99% will avoid pregnancy. The new progestogen only tablet also has fewer side effects that the combined oestrogen/progestogen morning after pill. Of those women who use an IUD as emergency contraception, 99% will avoid pregnancy. An IUD can be left in place to provide ongoing contraception, or can be removed after a normal period. If an IUD is then used for ongoing contraception, the user may notice heavier or more painful periods than before. An IUD needs to be fitted by an experienced doctor. Important information for users of emergency contraception: - research has shown that emergency contraceptive pills are more effective the sooner after sex they are used.
- some women might experience a delay in the arrival of their next period, or their period may occur early.
- emergency contraceptive pills will not prevent pregnancy from further unprotected sex later in the same menstrual cycle. To avoid such a pregnancy, a reliable method of contraception should be used.
- unprotected sex increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so testing for STIs should be performed where appropriate.
- emergency contraception can be obtained from your local doctor or medical centre, local hospital emergency unit, or a family planning clinic. A prescription is needed for emergency contraceptive pills.
Article #8009 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
