EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
This is a hormone treatment similar to the progestogen only contraceptive
pill, but a much higher dose. The aim of it is to prevent pregnancy
occurring when there has been an episode of unprotected sex or potential
failure of another method of contraception
Emergency contraception can be used up to 72 hours after the episode of unprotected sex, but it is more effective if taken within 48 hours. Please note that not every woman is able to use this form of emergency (post coital) contraception
Disadvantages
- It is not 100% effective and may fail to prevent pregnancy on occasions
- It may cause some early bleeding before your next period, or it may cause your next period to be delayed or slightly early
- If you become pregnant having taken the post-coital pill, there
is a slightly higher statistical chance of ectopic pregnancy (where
a fertilised egg implants in the wrong place outside the womb, i.e.
in the fallopian tube)
How to take emergency contraception
- You will receive a packet containing one pill
- The tablet should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex
- If you vomit WITHIN 3 HOURS of taking the pill it may not have worked. You need to contact your doctor for further advice under these circumstances
- If your next period is delayed, excessively light or if you are suffering from abnormal abdominal pain after taking the emergency contraceptive you should make an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible
- If you are currently taking a contraceptive pill, ask your doctor
for advice about how to carry on with the rest of this pack or the
next pack
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
