The emergency contraceptive pills are taken after unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
Some examples of when you may use emergency contraception include:
• You have had sex without using contraception
• You were using a condom and it broke
• You forgot to take the contraceptive pill at the recommended time
• You are taking the contraceptive pill, but have vomiting or severe diarrhoea
• You are late for a contraceptive injection
• You are a victim of sexual assault
How does it work?
It stops or delays the release of an egg from the ovaries.
How well does it work?
Around 85% of pregnancies that would have occurred are prevented by the emergency contraceptive pills. Emergency contraceptive pills can be effective up to five days after unprotected sex. But the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. You may need to have a follow-up pregnancy test in a few weeks to make sure you are not pregnant. It’s best to discuss this with your health care provider or the chemist.
What are the benefits?
• Emergency contraceptive pills are very safe and can be used more than once in a month if necessary.
• They are available at the chemist without a prescription. You don’t have to see a health care provider to get emergency contraceptive pills.
• It won’t cause an abortion if you’re already pregnant.
What are the downsides?
• Emergency contraceptive pills do not protect against STIs, including HIV
• If you have unprotected sex again in the same menstrual cycle, you will need to take emergency contraceptive pills again. If you have to take emergency contraceptive pills often, you should use condoms until you’re fully protected by another regular method of contraception.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are very rare. It does not affect your future fertility. You may experience:
• Slight bleeding
• An early or late period; if your period is late, you should have a pregnancy test.
Can anyone use emergency contraception?
Emergency contraceptive pills are very safe. If you’re taking some medications, for example, some epilepsy medications, talk to your health care provider or chemist about this.
Where do you get it?
From any nursing station, health centres, clinic hubs and NGO clinics (Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji Clinic situated at Garden City Raiwai, Suva, Medical Services Pacific see locations in support services tab).
Emergency contraceptive pill