Am I at risk of STIs?
EC does not protect you against sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). If you had
unprotected sex it’s best to get tested.This
is normally done two to three weeks after
unprotected sex. You can go to your doctor, a
SHine SA clinic or Clinic 275. A condom is the
only form of contraception that will reduce the
risk of STIs.
And remember...
It’s best to take EC within 24 hours.
You can get EC over the counter at pharmacies.
Think about taking it with you when travelling.
Taking EC does not reduce the risk of pregnancy
if you have further unprotected sex, so it’s a good
idea to consider ongoing contraception. You can
contact SHine SA to discuss your options.
Contact SHine SA
Clinic & Counselling Appointments and
General Enquiries
Tel: 1300 794 584
Clinics are located throughout the metropolitan area.
Sexual Healthline
Talk to a sexual health nurse about any sexual health issue.
Available 9 am – 1 pm, Monday – Friday
Tel: 1300 883 793
Country callers (toll free):
1800 188 171
Email: [email protected]
Website
www.shinesa.org.au
National Relay Service: www.relayservice.com.au
133 677 (TTY/Voice) 1300 555 727 (Speak & Listen)
Other emergency contraception
Copper IUDs can be used as emergency
contraception. The copper IUD is more
effective than the EC pill and can be
used up to five days after unprotected
sexual intercourse. The procedure is more
complicated and risky than using the EC
pill. Contact SHine SA or see your GP for
more information.
© SHine SA. Last updated 4 May 2011
SHine SA pamphlets are regularly reviewed and updated.
To download the most recent version visit www.shinesa.org.au
Emergency
contraception
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) is a dose of
progestogen (levonorgestrel) taken after sexual
intercourse to reduce the risk of pregnancy. It’s
sometimes wrongly called the morning-after pill,
because it can be taken up to five days after
unprotected sex, although it’s more effective the
sooner it’s taken.
How does it work?
The progestogen in EC works mainly by delaying
the release of an egg by the ovary (ovulation).
It may also work by changing the lining of the
uterus so a fertilised egg can’t take hold, and may
make the mucus (sticky fluid) at the opening of
the uterus thicker so sperm can’t get through.
Uterus
Uterine lining
Ovary
Ovary
Mucus
Vagina
Emergency contraception DOES NOT cause
an abortion.
Why would I need emergency
contraception?
How do I take emergency
contraception?
You could take EC if there was a risk of unwanted
pregnancy. This would include:
Take the tablet as soon as possible.
•• unprotected intercourse
•• sexual assault
•• contraceptive failure (e.g. the condom breaks
or you are on the Pill and have missed two or
more consecutive hormonal pills)
If you are not sure whether you are at risk of
pregnancy phone SHine SA’s Sexual Healthline or
talk to your local pharmacist, doctor or women’s
health nurse.
How effective is it?
EC is very effective (95%) if taken in the first 24
hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. The
effectiveness decreases the longer you wait. If
taken within two days it is about 85% effective.
It may be used up to five days (120 hours) after
intercourse, but at this time the effectiveness is
about 60%.
How do I get emergency contraception?
EC is available over the counter at pharmacies.
You can also get it at SHine SA clinics, Clinic 275,
Pregnancy Advisory Centre and many public hospital
emergency departments.
Some pharmacists may not supply EC if you had
unprotected sex over 72 hours ago as these are
the recommendations in the product information.
What does it cost?
Prices vary. The cost depends on where you get it.
You can take emergency contraception more
than once in the same menstrual cycle if you
need to, but it may be less effective. However,
it is important to take it again if you have had
further unprotected sex and you want to reduce
the risk of pregnancy.
If you vomit within two hours of taking EC you
will need to take another dose.
What are the possible side effects?
EC can occasionally cause nausea, breast
pain, dizziness, tiredness, headaches and spot
bleeding. Side effects usually stop within two
days. If you are worried about any side effects
see a doctor.
Taking EC will not affect a pregnancy or harm a
developing foetus.
When will I have my next period?
For most women the next period will come at the
normal time. A few may be early and up to 30%
may be up to a week late.
Do I need a pregnancy test?
If your period does not come within 3–4 weeks
of taking EC do a pregnancy test. If you have
any other concerns see your doctor or contact
SHine SA’s Sexual Healthline for advice.
Is it safe to take emergency
contraception when breastfeeding?
It’s safe to use EC when you are breastfeeding.
It will not decrease your milk supply. Some
progestogen may come through the milk, but
there is no evidence this harms your baby.