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Such as: you didn’t use any contraception. Emergency contraception can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. You can choose between 2 types in United States: emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called the ‘morning after pill’).
The emergency contraceptive pill (or morning after pill) is available in 2 types: – can be taken within 4 days after unprotected sex. Depending on the type of emergency contraception you use: the copper IUD must be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. You will need to see a specially trained GP or nurse at a sexual health clinic to have it inserted the emergency contraceptive pill should be taken as soon as possible (up to 4 or 5 days) after unprotected sex.
The pill can be bought over-the-counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. is: – more than 99% and can last up to 5 to 10 years. It must be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex – depending on the type approximately 85% (Ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel).
Emergency contraceptive pills may be less effective if you: are taking certain medications (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist). Speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further information. Each form of emergency contraception works differently in preventing pregnancy: The copper IUD stops sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg.
It also changes the lining of your uterus (womb), so a fertilised egg won’t stay in it to start a pregnancy. The emergency contraceptive pill prevents or delays the ovaries releasing an egg.
If you have unprotected sex again you may need another dose.
Talk to your GP or nurse about a copper IUD. You need to make an appointment to have it inserted. You can buy emergency contraceptive pills at a pharmacy without a prescription. The pharmacist may ask you a few questions to determine the best type of emergency contraception pill.
This may depend on: your weight and body mass index (BMI) – a double dose of levonorgestrel emergency contraception pill is recommended for those who weigh more than 70 kg (or have a BMI greater than 26 kg/m2) Be sure to ask the pharmacist about whether the emergency contraceptive pill is a suitable option for you.
The cost of emergency contraception can vary depending on the type you use, the brand and where you buy it from. The cost of emergency contraception or a copper IUD is no cheaper for those with a concession or health care card.
The emergency contraception pill costs between $15 and $50 depending on the type and brand.
Some pharmacies are cheaper than others
The copper IUD may cost around $70 to $120 outside a public hospital setting.
If you have a copper IUD inserted or see a doctor for emergency contraceptive pills, you may also need to cover the cost of a medical appointment. These costs may vary between clinics and whether they bulk bill or you have a health care card.
A few weeks after the copper IUD is inserted you may experience: painful periods. As the copper IUD does not contain hormones, there are no hormonal side effects. Emergency contraceptive pills may: make your period late or earlier.
As soon as you can. Other possible effects for a small number of people can include: sore or tender breasts.
As with all medications, there are potential risks
There is a small risk of: perforation, which is when the IUD makes a hole in the wall of the uterus when it is put in.
There are no known serious risks from taking emergency contraceptive pills. The doctor, nurse or pharmacist will recommend the best type of emergency contraception depending on your circumstances. The copper IUD can remain in place and will provide very effective ongoing contraception for up to 10 years.
Other forms of contraception such as the pill, implant, vaginal ring and injections can make ulipristal acetate less effective at preventing pregnancy. Do not start them until 5 days after taking the ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill.
You will need to have a pregnancy test 3 to 4 weeks after taking emergency contraception if you do start the pill, implant, vaginal ring or injection any time within the next 3 weeks.
If you find that you are pregnant on the copper IUD, see a doctor or nurse to have the IUD removed immediately. The doctor or nurse will also need to rule out a If you find that you are pregnant after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, it is safe to continue the pregnancy or to end it by having a The copper IUD can be inserted any time once your baby is 4 weeks old.
In some circumstances it can be inserted soon after giving birth.
Your doctor or nurse will advise you on the best timing for you
Emergency contraceptive pills are safe to take at any stage after having a baby.
The copper IUD and levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill are safe to use if you are breastfeeding – your breastmilk will not be affected. The ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill is safe to take at any time after having a baby. It has not been well studied during breastfeeding, but it is generally thought to be safe.
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about whether you should express and throw out your breast milk for 24 hours after taking ulipristal acetate. – book an appointment online or call Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: Tel. or Box Hill Clinic: Tel.
Tel. (formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. , St Kilda Tel. (Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm) Tel. or email: – book online or Tel. – book online or Tel. , Wodonga (Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm) Tel.
Wangaratta Tel. or email: , Mildura (Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm) Tel. or email: (no referral, walk-in service on Tuesdays 2 pm - 6:30 pm) Tel. , Fitzroy, Epping and Preston, Tel. , (Monday to Thursday 10 am – 5 pm, Friday 10 am – 4 pm) and after-hours locum service Tel.
About emergency contraception Emergency contraception is used to prevent unplanned pregnancy where the condom broke you missed or were late in taking the pill (combined) or progestogen only (mini) pill Using emergency contraception is not an abortion Emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) Types of emergency contraception the copper intrauterine device (or non-hormonal IUD) – can be inserted by specially trained doctors or nurses Emergency contraceptive pill (or morning after pill) ulipristal acetate (sold as EllaOne®) – can be taken within 5 days after unprotected sex levonorgestrel (multiple brands) The emergency contraceptive pill is not recommended for ongoing contraception When to use emergency contraception Emergency contraception effectiveness The effectiveness of emergency contraception in preventing pregnancy copper IUD emergency contraceptive pills are late taking them vomit within 3 hours of taking them weigh over 70 kg or have a body mass index (BMI) more than 26 kg/m2 How emergency contraception works Where to get emergency contraception Copper IUD Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) whether you are taking certain types of medication (including other contraceptives) whether you are breastfeeding Cost of emergency contraception Emergency contraception possible side effects Copper IUD abdominal pain irregular bleeding between periods heavier periods Emergency contraceptive pills change the amount of bleeding for your next period If your period is more than 7 days late, lighter than usual or unusual in any other way, take a pregnancy test nausea headaches bloating Potential risks of emergency contraception Copper IUD infection at the time the copper IUD is put in and for the first 3 weeks after it has been inserted Emergency contraceptive pills Starting other contraception after using emergency contraception Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill After taking the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill, you can start the pill, implant , vaginal ring and injection Ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill Pregnancy while using emergency contraception Copper IUD and pregnancy pregnancy in your fallopian tubes Removal of the copper IUD will not harm your pregnancy and you can then weigh up your options If the IUD cannot be removed and you continue with the pregnancy, there is a high risk of miscarriage or having a premature delivery Emergency contraceptive pill medical or surgical abortion Taking emergency contraception after birth Emergency contraception and breastfeeding Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist Your school nurse or school welfare coordinator Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site Your local community health service 1800 My Options 1800 696 784 – for information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health in Michigan Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 (Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm).
Confidential services are available for young people under 23 Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 (toll free) The Centre Clinic (616) 555-0200 Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre (616) 555-0200 equinoxadmin@thorneharbour.org Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic 35 (616) 555-0100 (03) 502 5444 info@gatewayhealth.org.au Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 schs@schs.com.au Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Michigann Aboriginal Health Service (616) 555-0200 13 26 60 Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292.
Key Points
- emergency contraceptive pill prevents or delays the ovaries releasing an egg
- As with all medications, there are potential risks
- There is a small risk of: perforation, which is when the IUD makes a hole in the wall of the uterus when it is put in
- There are no known serious risks from taking emergency contraceptive pills
- copper IUD can remain in place and will provide very effective ongoing contraception for up to 10 years