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Emergency Contraception Fact Sheet |
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What is Emergency Contraception (EC)?
Emergency contraception, sometimes called the morning after pill, is a drug regime that reduces the chances of becoming pregnant after unsafe sex. The drug called levonorgestrel, marketed as Postinor-2 is a single dose pill. Another method commonly used in Australia, is a high dose of oestrogen and progesterone pills taken. This is known as the Yuzpe regime. Levonorgestrel is thought to be a safer and more effective option for emergency contraception. No form of emergency contraception should be used as a routine method for preventing pregnancy. How does EC work?
Postinor-2 delays ovulation and alters the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, so reducing the chances that conception will occur. Emergency contraception should be taken within 72 hours from the time of unprotected intercourse or the contraceptive failure and preferably with 24 hours for maximum effectiveness. The sooner the drug is taken, the more effective it is. EC is successful in preventing pregnancy for about 85% of women who use it. The drug does not affect a woman’s future fertility or health. What side effects might occur?
The most common side effect of emergency contraception is nausea. If taken according to the instructions, levonorgestrel has fewer side effects that the Yuzpe regime. If used inappropriately, at worst it would cause, nausea, vomiting and menstrual irregularity. Can EC terminate an early pregnancy?
If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not cause you to have an abortion. If implantation of the sperm and ovum has occurred no harm can be done by emergency contraception to either the woman or the developing foetus. How do women access emergency contraception?
EC is available over-the-counter from pharmacies. For further information, go to: http://www.fpahealth.org.au/sex-matters/factsheets/76.html
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