Emergency Contraceptives
Hormonal method

REGIMEN

As soon as possible

EFFICACY TYPICAL USE

Also dubbed the ‘morning after’ pill, emergency contraceptives provide a second chance to prevent pregnancy after having had unprotected sex. An emergency pill typically contains hormones that are similar to oral contraceptives, but with higher dosages. Emergency contraception is a back-up method for genuine emergencies, like for that one time the condom broke, so they should never be the contraception that you choose to use regularly.

How To

For best results, you should take the emergency pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Ideally you should take it up to 12 hours after you’ve had unprotected sex but if it’s taken more than 24 hours after unprotected sex, it’s already much less effective. After using emergency contraception, you should use another form of contraception for the rest of your cycle to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy. Don’t forget to get yourself tested for STIs, too. Unprotected sex exposes you to STIs as well as unplanned pregnancy.

Reference: http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/your-guide-contraception

Reference: https://www.your-life.com/
Accessed on September 6, 2016

PROS

  • Helps prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex
  • Most effective only when used within 12 hours after unprotected sex

CONS

  • Contains a high dose of hormones in one pill
  • Using it repeatedly can interrupt the natural menstrual cycle
  • It may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, tiredness, dizziness, fatigue
  • Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

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