Emergency contraception

– Emergency contraception is safe for almost all women.

– There are different pill options available in addition to the IUD. Oral contraceptives in the right dosage can be used as emergency contraception if a specific product is not available.

– Using emergency contraception does not affect long term fertility. If you use the emergency contraceptive pills your fertility will return the following month, after you have your period.

– Emergency contraception does not cause an abortion. Instead it prevents either fertilisation between the egg and the sperm from taking place or prevents the fertilised egg from settling in the womb.

– You can use emergency contraception at any time in your menstrual cycle.

– Emergency contraception is not harmful to your health. You can use it as many times in your life as you need to. If it is used when already pregnant, it will not cause harm to the foetus.

– Emergency contraception will only work for sex that occurred in the previous five days – any future unprotected sex acts will require a separate contraceptive.

– Emergency contraception is not as good at preventing a pregnancy as regular contraception used before sex takes place. If you keep needing emergency contraception you should consider using a more regular contraceptive.

– Unlike condoms, emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

– Emergency contraception may have some effect on bleeding, such as slight bleeding after taking it, earlier or later start of your menstrual cycle. Some women may also experience nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, abdominal pain or headaches in the week after taking it.