"What is Emergency Contraception?"

Emergency Contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy if you have had sex without contraception or if you think that your contraception may not have worked. (if the condom broke or leaked for example). The most common method is Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs).

"How do ECPs work?"

Depending on when you use ECPs during your menstrual cycle, the pills will either stop the release of an egg, prevent fertilization of an egg or stop a fertilized egg from becoming attached in your uterus. It cannot, and will not cause an abortion after a fetus has attached itself in the uterus.

"When can I use ECPs?"

The first ECP dose must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. It is much more effective if taken within 24 hours. A 2nd dose is taken 12 hours after the 1st dose.

"How effective are ECPs?"

ECPs prevent most pregnancies but they are not 100% effective. They are not a substitute for regular methods of contraception.

"Are ECPs safe?"

Most women can use ECPs safely. They have been used safely since the mid 1970s. Talk to a medical professional about whether there is a reason why you should not use them.

"Do ECPs have any side effects?"

ECPs sometimes cause temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, cramping and breast tenderness. These side effects rarely last more than 24 hours.

"What should I do after using ECPs?"

You will not see any signs showing that the pills are working. Your next menstrual period should come on time (or a few days early or a few days late). If your period is more than a week later than expected or if you have any cause for concern see a medical professional for advice.

"If the ECPs do not work and I become pregnant will the pregnancy be normal?"

Based on available information there is no reason to believe that the pregnancy would be abnormal of the baby hurt in any way.

If you have unprotected sex after using ECPs, they will NOT protect you. Use a regular contraceptive method to prevent future pregnancies.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills should not be used as a routine method of contraception. Regular contraceptives such as condoms, pills, injectables, IUDs etc. are more effective and have fewer side effects.

ECPs do NOT protect against AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases like syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes. If you are worried about whether you may have been infected with AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases talk to the Nurse Practitioner of Doctor at the MFPA or your own Doctor or Health Care Provider about your concerns and ask how you can protect yourself in the future.

"How do I use ECPs?"

1) Take 2 tablets as soon as convenient after unprotected sex. Make sure that you take the first dose at a time when it will be convenient to take the second dose 12 hours later. For example, before 10 a.m. or after 6p.m.

Do not delay treatment unnecessarily. It is more likely to work the sooner that you take it.

2) Take the next 2 tablets 12 hours after taking the first tablets

3) If you vomit within 2 hours of taking a dose you must take a replacement dose as soon as possible. If the vomiting happens after the 1st dose you will need to take the 2nd dose 12 hours after taking the replacement dose.

If you vomit more than 6 hours after taking the pills you do not need to worry as the medication is already in your system

To prevent vomiting it is better to take the tablets after eating.