Emergency contraception

Standard vs emergency contraception

Contraception is a group name for devices and techniques with which to prevent pregnancy. For example, the oral contraceptive pill, intra-uterine devices (IUDs), condoms, the diaphragm and the vaginal ring are methods used when contraception is a lifestyle choice. In other words, these are the ways that you use to prevent getting pregnant until you are ready to plan a pregnancy at a time that suits you.

Emergency contraception is a form of birth control reserved for special and specific situations such as after rape, having unprotected sex, having a condom break or slip off during sex, missing two or more birth control pills during a monthly cycle, etc. It is not a regular birth control method, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, does not induce abortion and is not recommended if a woman is already pregnant.

Emergency contraception options

Two options exist for women who have had unprotected sex and who want to prevent getting pregnant.

1.    Morning after pill

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends either a single, oral dose of progestogen or two doses twelve hours apart. The pill can be up to 90% effective in preventing pregnancy, provided it is taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It can be effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It works by stopping or delaying ovulation or stopping an egg from being implanted in the womb.

Side-effects are mild and may include the following:

• • Nausea

• • Abdominal pain

• • Fatigue

• • Headache

• • Menstrual changes.

The emergency contraceptive pill is available without prescription or age restriction from most pharmacies or state health clinics. It can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle and your period will start within a few days of the normal expected date.

According to the WHO “emergency contraceptive pills are for emergency use only and are not appropriate for regular use as an on-going contraceptive method because of the higher possibility of failure compared with non-emergency contraceptives”.

2.    Intra-uterine device

An intra-uterine device (IUD), formerly called a coil, should be fitted within five days of unprotected sex. It works by stopping an egg from being fertilised or from being implanted in the womb. The copper-bearing IUD is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to five years and is the most effective form of emergency contraception available.

The IUD is available without prescription from most pharmacies or state health clinics and must be inserted by a trained doctor or nurse. It can be removed, by a doctor or trained nurse, during the next period should you wish to do so. However, the IUD is a good option for women who do not wish to take hormones or use contraception long-term.

 

Sources
Emergency contraception. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com
Emergency contraception. 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. 2011. Pamphlet entitled “Contraception”
www.hrhresourcecentre.org w
ww.safersex.co.za

 

Revised by M van Os