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Emergency contraception

Providing pregnancy prevention after unprotected sex.

A short-term method of contraception.

Emergency contraception pills help to prevent a pregnancy when taken up to five days after unprotected sex.

They work by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovaries. A very popular type of emergency contraception involves taking one or two tablets of a particular hormone. This is sometimes called ‘the morning after pill’ or ‘Plan B’.

An intrauterine device (IUD) can also be used as emergency contraception as it can prevent a fertilised egg from settling in the womb.

Frequently asked questions about emergency contraception

What are the advantages of emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception offers the following advantages as a short-term method of contraception:

It is safe for almost all women
Using emergency contraception does not affect long term fertility
It does not cause an abortion
You can use emergency contraception at any time in your menstrual cycle
Emergency contraception is not harmful to your health.

What are the disadvantages of emergency contraception?

When deciding if emergency contraception is a method right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:

It will only work for sex that occurred in the previous five days
It is not recommended as a regular method of contraception
Unlike condoms, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
It may have some side effects, such as bleeding, nausea and fatigue.

Are there any medicines that can interfere with emergency contraception?

Emergency contraceptives can interfere with other medications. Depending which brand of emergency contraception you use, there is a small risk it may affect the following medication: