Contraception - emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the ‘morning after pill’, can be used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after having unprotected sex. It might be needed if you have sex without any contraception, you miss taking the oral contraceptive pill or a condom breaks. It might also be needed in the case of rape.

EC is most effective if taken as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of having unprotected sex. However, it works well up to 72 hours and might be effective if taken within 120 hours (five days).

EC prevents an unplanned pregnancy

EC is around 85 per cent effective and works by delaying or preventing ovulation.

EC is only meant to be used in emergencies, as it isn’t an ongoing or long-term method of contraception.

Different types of EC

There are different types of EC pills available and they have different instructions for how to take them. All types of EC are more effective the sooner they are started after having unprotected sex. If you have unprotected sex and want to reduce your risk of pregnancy, you need to take the first dose of EC pills as soon as you can.

The ‘progestogen only’ method is the most commonly used method in Australia. It involves taking a dose of EC pills containing a progestogen, a synthetic version of the progesterone normally produced by the ovaries. This is usually one full dose, but can be two half doses, depending on the product. This is similar to taking a large dose of the mini pill. A doctor can prescribe these pills, but they can also be bought over the counter without a prescription at most pharmacies in Australia.

If using the single pill product, you will be advised to take it straight away. If using the two pill product, the pharmacist might advise you to take both pills at once or take one immediately and one 12 hours later. Either way is fine. Progestogen only EC is safe to use when breastfeeding and it‘s rare for a health issue to be a reason not to take it. However, some medications can make it less effective, so check with the pharmacist.

You need to keep using other contraception, such as condoms, for the rest of your cycle until your next period to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

If you’re taking the pill

You might need EC if you miss any of the first seven active pills of a cycle and have unprotected sex. Active pills are the pills taken straight after you finish the seven sugar pills. After taking EC, keep taking your pills as normal and use condoms until you’ve had seven active pills in a row.

Your next period

After taking EC, most women have their next period around its expected time. About 30 per cent will have an early period and 15 per cent a late one. The combined or mini pill can be started immediately after taking EC.

The next step

After taking EC, you might need to:

• Get a pregnancy test – if your next period is more than seven days late, is in any way unusual or more painful than usual.
• Be screened for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) – if you think you could be at risk. Some STIs don’t cause symptoms, but can cause long-term health problems such as infertility.
• Think about future contraception – ask your doctor or healthcare provider for information about your options to help you decide what you would like to use to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Protect against STIs

It is important to practise safer sex. The best way to reduce the risk of STIs is to use barrier protection such as male and female condoms and dams (a thin piece of latex placed over the anal or vulval area during oral sex). Condoms can be used for oral, vaginal and anal sex with other forms of contraception to help prevent the spread of infections.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100 or 1800 013 952
• Action Centre (for young people aged under 25) Tel. (03) 9660 4700 or 1800 013 952
• The Women’s Health Information Centre (WHIC) Tel. (03) 8345 3045 or 1800 442 007
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
• Community health centre
• Pharmacist
• Public hospital – if you need EC and can’t get to any of the above services, go to the emergency department of a public hospital.

Things to remember

• Emergency contraception prevents an unplanned pregnancy after having unprotected sex and must be started as soon as possible.
• It’s most effective if taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, but works well up to 72 hours. It might be effective if taken within 120 hours (five days).
• Emergency contraception is around 85 per cent effective – the sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
• Condoms and dams provide the best available protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

You might also be interested in:

• Contraception - choices.
  
• Contraception - condoms for men.
  
• Contraception - condoms for women.
  
• Contraception - diaphragms.
  
• Contraception - implants and injections.
  
• Contraception - injections for men.
  
• Contraception - intrauterine devices.
  
• Contraception - the pill.
  
• Sex - are you ready.
  
• Sex education - talking to teenagers.
  
• Sexually transmissible infections - overview.
  
• Sexually transmissible infections - signs and symptoms.
  
• Teenage pregnancy.
  

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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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Family Planning Victoria

Last reviewed: July 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Contraception_emergency_contraception?open">Contraception - emergency contraception - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Emergency contraception (the 'morning after pill') can be used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sex. It's most effective if taken within 24 hours of having sex, but works well up to 72 hours. It might be effective if taken within 120 hours (five days). You might need emergency contraception if the pill is missed, a condom breaks, no contraception was used or in the case of rape.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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