EC is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure or sexual assault.
Oral EC (also known as ‘the morning after pill’):
- A single dose
- A two tablet dose (taken twelve hours apart)
Intrauterine Device (IUD) EC
- Copper IUD (must be inserted by a doctor)
Oral EC works in several ways to stop pregnancy before it starts:
- Stopping or delaying your ovaries from releasing an egg;
- Preventing sperm from fertilising any egg you may have already released; or
- Stopping a fertilised egg from attaching itself to your womb lining.
So, oral EC may prevent a pregnancy before it starts but it does not work if you are already pregnant.
Copper IUD EC – insertion will interfere with sperm movement, prevent fertilisation and implantation of the fertilised egg.
Oral EC must be taken within the first 72 hours of having unprotected sex. The earlier oral EC is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is. A copper IUD can be inserted by a doctor up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.
EC will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only condoms can do this. Ask your doctor for advice if you are worried about this.
It is estimated that oral EC may prevent 85% of expected pregnancies. Copper IUDs may prevent 98% of expected pregnancies.
Although EC is suitable for most women, some women may not be able to use it. You should talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it.
The pharmacist has been trained to treat requests for EC sympathetically and confidentially. However, he or she will need to ask a few simple questions before you can receive EC. In some cases, you will not be able to purchase EC from your pharmacist and your pharmacist may refer you to a doctor for EC.
All medicines have side effects. Often they are not serious but sometimes they can be. You may need medical treatment if you get some side effects. If you are worried, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking oral EC will not give you protection against pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again in the same menstrual cycle. You should use a barrier method (e.g. condom) until you are protected fully by another regular method of contraception. You are advised to make an appointment to see a doctor within 3 weeks to assess treatment effectiveness and to discuss more reliable, regular forms of contraception. All women who have had a copper IUD inserted for EC should return to a doctor for a review including a pregnancy test regardless of menstruation.
If you have taken oral EC because you have missed a Pill and didn't follow the 'Missed Pill' instructions, discard any missed Pills and the Pill for the day of treatment, and on the following day, continue to take your Pill as usual. You should use a barrier method (e.g. condom) for the next 7 days, and in those 7days discard any placebo (inactive) tablets and continue with a new pack.
If you had a copper IUD inserted for EC, contraceptive effectiveness is immediate. Stop taking your regular oral contraceptive and upon returning to see your doctor to review the IUD, also speak to them regarding your oral contraceptive.
If you do not get your period within 3 weeks of taking oral EC, you must see a doctor, as you may be pregnant. Your doctor will order a pregnancy test. All women who have had a copper IUD inserted for EC should return to a doctor for a review including a pregnancy test regardless of menstruation.
If stomach pain is severe you should see your doctor immediately as on rare occasions a tubal pregnancy could occur.
For oral EC, based on combined oral contraceptive experience, an increase in abnormalities is not expected.
The copper IUD does not cause abnormalities in the baby.
Although there is no limit to the number of times you can take oral EC. It should only be used in an emergency. It does not prevent pregnancy as well as regular, long term methods as contraception.
EC is only suitable as a backup to your regular method of contraception. EC can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle unless menstrual bleeding is overdue. If you are having difficulty with your regular method of contraception, you should discuss this with your doctor who will be able to tell you about other methods which may be more suitable.
