Emergency Contraception

Unfortunately there are times when contraceptive accidents happen and you may be required to use an emergency contraceptive. These situations can arise due to a faulty condom, forgetting to take your daily oral contraceptive or simply because you were in caught in a moment. It’s understandable that not everything always works out the way we want it to, even though many of us are aware of how important contraception is, especially with a new partner.

There are 2 main emergency contraceptives that can prevent conception. The most popular emergency contraceptive for women is a pill that’s commonly known as the ‘morning after pill’. These pills work by altering hormonal balance to prevent pregnancy. Another popular method is known as an IUD, which is a small T shaped piece of copper or plastic that is placed in the opening of the womb to prevent sperm from entering.

The 2 main types of emergency contraceptive pills available are Levonelle One Step and ellaOne. Levonelle is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive and can be effective for up to 72 hours after you’ve had unprotected sex. ellaOne is a new oral emergency contraceptive that can work to prevent pregnancy for up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.

What is an emergency contraceptive pill?

These are also known as the morning after pill and are used to prevent pregnancy after you’ve had unprotected sex or if your usual method of contraception has let you down. The 2 pills available for emergency contraception are Levonelle and ellaOne. Levonelle can work for up to 3 days after unprotected sex, while ellaOne is effective for 5 days.

How do emergency contraceptive pills work?

ellaOne and Levonelle work as contraceptives by altering the hormones within the reproductive system. Levonelle contains a synthetic hormone called levonorgestral, which influences egg development by interfering with ovulation. ellaOne’s main active ingredient is ullipristal acetate which prevents the release of an egg by the ovaries by affecting the hormone receptors.

What are the alternative means of emergency contraception?

The IUD is an alternative emergency contraceptive to the morning after pill. An IUD is usually T shaped and made from either plastic or copper. It can be fitted by either a nurse or doctor in the womb opening and prevents sperm from entering. IUD’s have been proven to be 98 % effective in preventing pregnancy and can be fitted within 5 days after unprotected sex. The IUD is different from other emergency contraceptives because it can work for 3 – 10 years after. Fitting IUD’s isn’t a common procedure in clinics and surgeries and some women can find them uncomfortable.

Do I still need to use my regular contraceptive after taking emergency contraception?

Yes. One emergency contraceptive pill can be taken per menstrual cycle. If you should have sex without protection after you’ve taken the contraceptive, you will not be able to prevent conception with emergency contraception again during this period. It’s recommended that you use a barrier contraceptive during this time, even if you’re still using your usual oral contraceptive, until your next period starts.

Can an emergency contraception protect me against STIs?

No, emergency contraceptives are only intended to prevent conception. Condoms are recommended to prevent against STIs.