Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception pills (‘the morning after pill’) may stop a pregnancy before it starts by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovaries. They do not prevent fertilisation, inhibit implantation or end an established pregnancy. Emergency contraception pills are not abortion pills. They do not provide any on-going contraception and offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Emergency contraception does not prevent all pregnancies. Calculating how effective the morning after pill is at preventing pregnancy is complicated and depends on when intercourse took place and at what stage of your menstrual cycle you are. There are also differences in the effectiveness of the two types of morning after pill. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss your options with you.

Mild short-term side effects of the morning after pill can include: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness and altered bleeding pattern. If you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the morning after pill you will need to take an additional tablet. If the morning after pill is successful in preventing pregnancy, most women will have a normal period at the normal time, though it may come early or a little late.

The morning after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The original ECP is approved for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. A newer ECP is effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) but the earlier it is taken the greater the chance that you will not become pregnant.

Mild short-term side effects of the morning after pill can include: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness and altered bleeding pattern. If you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the morning after pill you will need to take an additional tablet. If the morning after pill is successful in preventing pregnancy, most women will have a normal period at the normal time, though it may come early or a little late.

Although there is no limit to the number of times you can take the morning after pill, you should only use it in emergencies and not as a regular method of contraception. It does not prevent pregnancy as effectively as other contraceptive methods. If used more than once in a menstrual cycle it is more likely to upset your menstrual cycle. If you find yourself regularly requiring the morning after pill it is recommended you visit your local GP, sexual health clinic or MSI Australia clinic to discuss your contraceptive options.

The morning after pill is for emergency contraception only. It is not an abortion pill. If the sperm has already fertilised the egg, and the pregnancy has started, the pill won’t work. You can make an appointment with your doctor, or at a sexual health or family planning clinic and discuss your next steps.

From your local or online pharmacy, though in either case you will be asked a few questions to determine what additional information the pharmacist should give you when dispensing the morning after pill. This should be done discreetly, either verbally or with a written questionnaire. Pharmacists can refuse supply on religious grounds, but must refer you to another supplier if that is the case. Pharmacists who decline supply on religious grounds sometimes do so in the belief this contraception is an abortion pill, which is incorrect. Ask your doctor about getting an advanced supply of the emergency contraceptive pill at your next MSI Australia clinic appointment, so that you’re always prepared.

Two types of emergency contraception pills exist in Australia. Both should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The standard option works up to 72 hours later and is available over-the-counter at pharmacies. A newer pill effective for up to 120 hours is also available without prescription, but supply may be limited in some areas.

It’s a good idea to book an appointment with your GP or call us on 1300 003 707 within 2-3 weeks to confirm the morning-after pill’s effectiveness and discuss ongoing contraception. If your period doesn’t arrive within 3 weeks, consult a doctor to rule out pregnancy.

Here’s an information sheet detailing how effective the morning-after pills are, the side effects, and usage frequency.

Take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Common short-term side effects may include headache, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. If effective, most women will have their next period as usual, though timing may vary slightly.