Emergency Contraception
Overview: The morning after pill lowers your chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception works best if taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The morning after pill is not an abortion pill, and it does not stop sexually transmitted infections.¹
When it’s needed: Emergency contraception is used to prevent unplanned pregnancy if you had sex without contraceptive protection. Using emergency contraception is not an abortion. Emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs).²
Options available in Australia:
- There are 2 types of morning after pill on sale in Australia – both available from pharmacies without a prescription. Morning after pills that contain levonorgestrel (LNG) can be used up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. Morning after pills that contain ulipristal acetate (UPA) can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.¹
- A copper IUD must be inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex and is more than 99% effective. It can also last up to 5 to 10 years.²
Side effects: You may experience bleeding or spotting. You may get a headache, sore breasts or dizziness. Nausea or vomiting is unlikely, but if you do vomit within 2 hours of taking levonorgestrel or 3 hours of taking ulipristal, a repeat dose may be required.³
Lifestyle note: It is also sensible to think about your ongoing contraceptive needs in order to avoid taking emergency contraception, as it is less effective compared to ongoing contraceptives.³
How your pharmacist can help
During this consultation, your Complete Care pharmacist will discuss your situation and help determine the most appropriate emergency contraception option. They can provide advice on timing and use, and guide you on next steps if further care is required.