|
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse; it is also called post-coital or "morning-after" contraception. It can be taken any time up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, the earlier you take it after intercourse, the more effective it will
be and it is most effective if
taken within 24 hours of
intercourse.
In most cases, your doctor will prescribe Levonelle-2, a pack containing two tablets of Levonorgestrel that was launched in early 2000.
When this was first launched,
the advice was to take one tablet is taken immediately and the second 12 hours later.
However, the advice is now to
take both tablets together. In some cases, you may be prescribed the older emergency contraceptive, Schering PC4, a pack containing four tablets. Two tablets are taken immediately and a further two are taken 12 hours later. Before prescribing you with Schering PC4, your doctor will want to check your previous medical history to ensure that you do not have any medical problems that prevent you from taking emergency contraception.
You will need emergency contraception if:
- You weren't using any contraception and you had unprotected vaginal intercourse.
- Your partner's condom broke or slipped off, and he ejaculated inside your vagina.
- Your diaphragm or cervical cap slipped out of place, and your partner ejaculated inside your vagina.
If you think you need emergency contraception, do not delay in contacting the surgery.
Ideally, you should attend the next available surgery.
You do not need an appointment to obtain emergency contraception and can attend as an emergency patient at either
9-30am or 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You can ask to see either a doctor or the practice nurse, Ms Tess Monem. If there is a long delay before the next surgery, for example on a weekend, you can also obtain emergency contraception from SELDOC, the local out-of-hours general practice service. The SELDOC telephone number can be obtained by ringing the surgery and listening to the message on the answerphone. Emergency contraception can also be obtained from family planning clinics and accident and emergency departments.
How to Use Morning-After Pills
For Levonelle-2, take both
tablets together, no later than 72 hours (three days) after having unprotected intercourse. The pills may sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. You may want to eat a snack or drink a glass of milk 30 minutes before taking each dose to avoid vomiting. You can also be prescribed an anti-nausea medication if you are particularly prone to nausea and vomiting. If you vomit up the
tablets, contact your doctor
or nurse for advice.
For Schering PC-4 (which is
not used very much now):
FIRST DOSE:
Take the first dose no later than 72 hours (three days) after having unprotected intercourse. The pills may sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. You may want to eat a snack or drink a glass of milk 30 minutes before taking each dose to avoid vomiting. You can also be prescribed an anti-nausea medication if you are particularly prone to nausea and vomiting. If you vomit up the first dose, take the second dose in the pack and obtain some more tablets from your doctor to take 12 hours later.
SECOND DOSE:
Swallow the second dose 12 hours after taking the first dose. If vomiting occurred after the first dose, be sure to use an anti-nausea medication 30 minutes before taking the second dose.
Side Effects
Side effects associated with the use of morning-after pills usually taper off one or two days after the second dose has been taken.
- Nausea, usually mild, is experienced by about half of the women who use emergency contraception.
- Up to one out of three women experience vomiting.
- Breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, fluid retention, and headaches may also occur.
After You Take The Pills
- Your next period may be earlier or later than usual.
- Your flow may be heavier, lighter, or more spotty than usual.
- Make sure to use another method of contraception if you have vaginal intercourse before your next period.
If after taking emergency contraception, your period is late or if you have symptoms of pregnancy, carry out a pregnancy test and see your doctor as soon as possible if it the test is positive.
You should not use morning-after pills if:
- You are pregnant.
- You have missed your period or it is late.
- You are allergic to the medication.
If you find that your are using emergency contraception frequently, you should consult your doctor, the practice nurse or the family planning clinic to discuss your contraceptive needs.
This information can be downloaded as a
Microsoft Word file.
|
|
Attend
as
soon
as
possible!
Try
to
obtain
emergency
contraception
as
soon
as
possible
after
unprotected
sex.
Download
this
page
as
a
Word
file.
|
|
|
Effectiveness
Emergency
contraception
is
effective
for
up
to
72
hours
after
intercourse.
An
IUCD
is
effective
up
to
5
days
afterwards.
|
|
|
Levonelle-2
Levonelle-2
has
now
replace
Schering
PC4,
as
research
has
shown
it
is
more
effective
at
preventing
an
unwanted
pregnancy
and
also
has
fewer
side
effects.
|
|
|
