Sexual safety - Emergency Contraception

If you had sex without using contraception, have been vomiting while on the pill, or you were using a condom which slipped off broke, you should visit a Family Planning clinic or your doctor as soon as possible. The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) can be used after unprotected sex to protect against pregnancy. The pill needs to be taken within 72 hours of having sex but it is more effective if you take it as soon as possible.

The Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP – also known as the Morning After Pill) – can be taken after unprotected sex. It prevents pregnancy.

You can use it when you’ve had sex and:

  • You’ve not used protection
  • The condom slips or splits
  • You’ve missed 1 or more birth control pills
  • You’ve been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill
  • You’ve missed your injection (depo)
  • You’ve been forced to have sex without contraception.

You should visit your doctor or a Family Planning clinic as soon as possible. It needs to be taken within 72 hours of having sex, but the sooner you take it the better. It is most effective within 12 hours of having sex.

How does emergency contraception work?

It works in a few ways:

  • It stops or delays the release of an egg from your ovaries until the guys sperm aren’t active in your body anymore.
  • It prevents sperm from fertilising an egg by changing the way the sperm move in your body.
  • It can stop a fertilised egg from attaching to your womb lining.

It doesn’t harm you. It doesn’t work if you are already pregnant, and it won’t harm your developing embryo.
Take a pregnancy test 3 – 4 weeks after you use the ECP, to check it worked. It is not as effective as other contraceptive methods.
It doesn’t make it harder to get pregnant later on.
Remember it does not provide protection for any future sex. You’ll need to look at other contraception options for this.

How do you use emergency contraception?

You take one Emergency Contraceptive Pill as soon as possible after you’ve had unprotected sex. Some women find the pill can make them throw up. If this happens, you will need to take a second dose. It is 95% effective at preventing pregnancy, if taken within 24 hours of having sex.

Where do you get emergency contraception from? How much does emergency contraception cost?

You can get the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) from Family Planning Clinics, chemists, your doctor or after hours medical centre. If you’re under 22, there is no cost for your visit to a Family Planning Clinic. You will see a doctor or nurse who will be able to give you the medication at the time of your appointment. You can also get the ECP from a chemist without a prescription. The cost of this is usually $40 - $45 depending on the chemist.  You can get it in advance, in case you do have an emergency.

Remember: Contraception + condoms + lube = safer sex.