Contraception - the morning after pill
Sometimes emergency contraception is needed to prevent pregnancy after sex - for example, if the pill is missed, a condom breaks or in the case of being sexually assaulted. The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception that must be started within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception prevents unwanted pregnancies
Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation in that cycle or by stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus
There are different types of emergency pills available.
Since July 2002, pre-packed emergency pills have been available in Australia. Called Postinor 2, it is a pack of two single tablets, each containing the hormone progestogen. You take one of these tablets as soon as possible after unprotected sex and another tablet 12 hours later. A doctor can prescribe these pills but as of 1 January 2004, Postinor 2 can be purchased over the counter without a prescription at many pharmacies throughout Australia, costing around $20. .
A health practitioner can also make up the right dosage for emergency contraception by using different pills. Sometimes these pills contain progestogen only (you need to take 25 pills each 12 hours to get the right dose) or they can contain oestrogen and progestogen (they can cause nausea and vomiting).
Your next period
After the emergency pill, most women have their next period roughly on time. About 20 per cent will have an early period and 10 per cent a late one. Periods will be delayed if other hormonal contraception has been started straight after using the morning after pill.
You should go back to your doctor or the clinic if your period is more than a week late, the bleeding is lighter than usual or the bleeding is on and off, as you might be pregnant.
No protection from infection
The morning after pill does not provide any protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
Where to get help
- Your local pharmacy - many pharmacies throughout Australia can now provide Postinor 2 over the counter without a prescription.
- Family Planning Victoria - Box Hill Tel. (03) 9257 0100 or Melbourne city services at the Action Centre Tel. (03) 9654 4766.
- Local doctor or community health centre - call first to ask if they provide emergency contraception.
- Public hospital - if you can't get to any of the above services within 72 hours of unprotected sex, try the casualty or emergency department of a public hospital.
- The morning after pill must be started within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
- Some types of morning after pill can cause nausea and vomiting.
- See your doctor if your period following the emergency pill is late or unusual.
- Emergency contraception is not an alternative to regular methods of birth control and does not provide any protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Related articles:
Contraception - condoms for men.
Contraception - condoms for women.
Contraception - injectable - Q & A.
Contraception - injections for men.
Sex - are you ready.
Sex education - talking to teenagers.
Sexually transmissible infections - overview.
Sexually transmitted infections - signs and symptoms.
Teenage pregnancy.
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Article publication date: 23/02/2000
Last reviewed: 30/06/2004
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