Emergency contraception what is it

If you are overweight or obese, you may want to consider having a copper IUD inserted. Copper IUDs are effective in women of any weight. The progestin-only pill is available over the counter in pharmacies and other stores to anyone of any age.

The progestin-only pill usually can be found in the family planning section. Not all stores carry the over-the-counter EC pill, so it is best to call ahead to see if it is available.

You can get EC pills ahead of time so that you always have them if needed. You can purchase them in advance at a pharmacy or online. Many pharmacies offer online ordering and shipping services. Ulipristal, combined birth control pills, and the copper IUD are available only by prescription.

To get a prescription or to have the copper IUD inserted, call your ob-gyn or other health care professional or go to a family planning clinic. Another option is to go to www. You also can ask your ob-gyn or other health care professional to give you a prescription for these EC methods at any routine health care visit. That way, you are always prepared if you need to use these forms of EC.

How you start or go back to using birth control after using EC pills depends on which type of EC pills you used:. If you used the progestin-only pill or combined EC pills, you can resume or start any birth control method right away. For the next 7 days, you also must use a barrier method condoms, diaphragm, and spermicides along with your regular birth control method or not have sexual intercourse.

If you used ulipristal and want to resume or start using a hormonal birth control method pill, patch, ring, implant, shot, or hormonal IUD , you need to wait to do so until 5 days after taking ulipristal.

You also must use a barrier method or not have sexual intercourse until your next menstrual period. Using a hormonal birth control method and taking ulipristal at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of both medications. No tests or procedures are needed after taking EC. You should have a pregnancy test if you have not had a period within a week of when you expect it.

None of the EC pills have been shown to harm a pregnancy or the health of the fetus if you already are pregnant. If you are at risk of getting an STI and have had unprotected sex, see your ob-gyn or other health care professional. Egg : The female reproductive cell made in and released from the ovaries. Also called the ovum. Emergency Contraception EC : Methods that are used to prevent pregnancy after a woman has had sex without birth control, after the method has failed, or after a rape.

Fetus : The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization. Hormone : A substance made in the body that controls the function of cells or organs. Intrauterine Device IUD : A small device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle.

Progesterone: A female hormone that is made in the ovaries and prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. Progestin : A synthetic form of progesterone that is similar to the hormone made naturally by the body. Sexual Intercourse: The act of the penis of the male entering the vagina of the female. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. The long acting reversible contraception LARC methods, including the contraceptive implant and IUDs, are suitable for most women and are very effective.

If you choose a copper IUD it can be kept in place for up to 10 years if needed or you can have it taken out at any time before this. Healthcare providers' perceptions of the challenges and opportunities to engage Chinese migrant women in contraceptive counselling: a qualitative interview study Sex Health; 17 5 , Donate and support us.

Talkline You may decide to use emergency contraception if: you didn't use any contraception you had sex without a condom or the condom broke you forgot to take your usual contraceptive pills you were sexually assaulted What emergency contraception is available in Australia?

There are three types of emergency contraception. There are lots of different brand names the ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill - available without a prescription from pharmacies.

It is called EllaOne a copper intrauterine device IUD - inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex by a trained doctor or nurse How does emergency contraception work? How soon do I have to use the emergency contraceptive pill? It might still have some effect up to 96 hours 4 days.

It can be used more than once in a cycle the ulipristal acetate pill should be taken within hours 5 days after unprotected sex the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill should not be used in the same menstrual cycle as ulipristal acetate Some women feel sick after taking the emergency contraceptive pill. How effective is emergency contraception? Ulipristal acetate is slightly more effective than the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill.

Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections STIs. Do the emergency contraception pills have any side-effects? When should I expect my period after taking an emergency contraceptive pill? You should do a pregnancy test if: your period is more than a week late your period is light or unusual in any way you get any other unusual bleeding Who can take the emergency contraceptive pill?

Can I use emergency contraception if I'm breastfeeding? Where can I get emergency contraception? What stops the emergency contraceptive pill from working? What is good about the emergency contraceptive pill?

Are there any side effects from using the emergency contraceptive pill? Can the emergency contraceptive pill cause any serious health problems?

Reasons why the emergency contraceptive pill might not be a good option for you What happens if I get pregnant while I am using the emergency contraceptives pill? Can I use the emergency contraceptive pill after I have had a baby? What else should I know about the emergency contraceptive pill? You might be interested in watching Where to get more information and support. What is the emergency contraceptive pill? The emergency contraceptive pill is available in two types in Australia: Ulipristal acetate sold as EllaOne Levonorgestrel multiple brands Photo of emergency contraceptive pill How effective is the emergency contraceptive pill?

The emergency contraceptive pill prevents or delays the ovaries from releasing an egg. Illustration of eggs not being released by ovaries How do I use the emergency contraceptive pill? Illustration of person taking the emergency contraceptive pill If you have unprotected sex again you may need another dose.

Emergency contraceptive pills may not work if you: are already pregnant are taking certain medications check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist take them too late after unprotected sex vomit within 3 hours of taking them. It provides a safe option to reduce the risk of pregnancy after sex. You do not need a script from a doctor or nurse to buy the emergency contraceptive pill. Other possible side effects for a small number of users can include: nausea headaches dizziness abdominal tummy pain.

There are no known serious risks from taking emergency contraceptive pills. Reasons why the emergency contraceptive pill might not be a good option for you: Have an allergy to any ingredients.

If you weigh more than 70kg the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill may be less effective. Consider the non-hormonal copper IUD or ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill. If you weigh more than 85kg the ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill may be less effective.

Consider the non-hormonal copper IUD for emergency contraception.