Emergency Contraception

Popularly known as ' the morning after pill '

This is a safe method of preventing unwanted pregnancy if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of the act of unprotected sex.  

You will be given a course of two tablets, the first is given to you by a doctor and the second is to be taken after twelve hours. Note: You will also be given a tablet to stop you being sick.

The sooner the tablets are taken after sex the more effective they are.

Remember - Emergency Contraception, as the name suggests, is only an emergency measure and should not be used as a regular method of contraception. Ensure that you use condoms until you choose another method of contraception.

Before you take this medicine you should tell your doctor if you have any of the following as you may need to take special care:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease or have had a stroke
• breast cancer

Do not take tablets if:

• you think you are already pregnant
• your period is late
• you have had unprotected sex more than 3 days ago

  You should have a check-up with your doctor about three weeks after taking the tablets to ensure that the treatment has worked.  If your next period is more than 7 days late also seek advice from your doctor or clinic to ensure you are not pregnant.

  Read the instructions which accompany the medication very carefully and follow them exactly.  If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the first tablet take the second one immediately and contact your doctor or clinic for another tablet.

  Possible side-effects

• feeling sick
• vomiting
• changes in your period (i.e. quantity of discharge)
• tender breasts
• headache or feeling tired or dizzy

  It is important to ring and make an appointment with the doctor before you come along