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How infectious diseases are spread and simple and practical advice for preventing the spread of infection in the home and community
Emergency contraception
The "morning-after" pill is an emergency contraceptive. It is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after condom-less sex.
Emergency contraception is not always effective in preventing a pregnancy.
When is it used?
- After sex without a condom
- When a condom breaks during sex
- If you have missed contraceptive pills and had unprotected sex.
Types of emergency contraceptive pills
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills and one of these two will be recommended /provided to you.
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is taken as a single oral dose (1.5mg) as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It may be used up to 5 days, but it is less effective on 4th and 5th days.
If you are on oral contraceptive pills and you took Levonorgestrel as you “missed pills”, you can continue taking the contraceptive pill. However, if you were on the last seven days of your hormone pills, you must skip the sugar (hormone free) tablets and start a new pack taking the active hormone tablets. Please talk to your doctor or nurse for further advice on missed pills.
Ulipristal acetate
Ulipristal acetate is taken as a single oral dose (30mg) as soon as possible within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. You should not take oral contraceptive pills and progesterone containing contraceptives (including Levonorgestrel emergency contraception) for five days after taking Ulipristal. Please talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner for further advice on restarting your oral contraceptive pill.
Copper Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
A copper Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) can also be inserted within five days to provide emergency as well as long term contraception. This service is not available through Adelaide Sexual Health Centre.
What can I expect after taking emergency contraception?
You may experience bleeding or spotting. This may occur soon after taking the pills or around the time you expect your next period. This bleeding is due to the "morning-after" pill and does not necessarily mean you are not pregnant.
You may get a headache, sore breasts or dizziness.
Nausea or vomiting is unlikely, but if you do vomit within 2 hours of taking Levonorgestrel or 3 hours of taking Ulipristal, return to the clinic as a repeat dose may be required.
If you are concerned, contact Adelaide Sexual Health Centre, SHINE SA or your local GP.
Is it safe?
The "morning-after" pill is a safe medication. Women who cannot take combined oral contraceptive pills for medical reasons can usually safely take the "morning-after" pill.
You will need to inform the doctor or nurse practitioner of any medication you are currently taking including herbal medicines (e.g. St John’s Wort), as some drugs interfere with the action of the "morning-after" pill.
When do I have to come back?
Vaginal bleeding similar to a normal period may occur after taking the "morning-after" pill, but you could still be pregnant.
It is crucial that you have a pregnancy test if your period is late or is unusually light as the morning-after pill is not 100% effective.
If you need the "morning after" pill, you may also have been exposed to sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, it is important that you consider having screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
It is also sensible to think about your ongoing contraceptive needs in order to avoid taking emergency contraception as it is less effective, compared to ongoing contraceptives.