Emergency Contraception - Pills, Methods & Devices

Sexual Health Information Resource

 

Birth ControlSexually Transmitted DiseasesGreat Sex Guide!Safe SexSex Education & Information
Real Sex Tips
This information site is a public resource for Sexual Health information, pictures, tips and facts.

Search this site

Everything you need to know about emergency contraceptives. Morning after pill (abortion pill), intrauterine device (IUD), spermicide and other contraception methods. Support and clinic contacts.

You are here: Sexual Health > Birth Control > Emergency Contraception

Methods of Contraception: Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is provided in two ways:

  • using increased doses of certain oral contraceptive pills within 72 hours
  • insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) within five to seven days
The Morning After Pill
  The Morning After Pill*
IUDS (Intrauterine Devices)
  IUDS (Intrauterine Devices)
Spermicide
  Spermicide
  Back to the complete list of Birth Control categories

 

 

 

The Morning After Pill*

*This is not a form of contraception. For information on the common contraceptive pill click here.

The Morning After Pill can be taken:

  • after unprotected intercourse
  • if the usual method of contraception has failed

Treatment consists of four pills

  • two taken immediately available
  • two more taken twelve hours after the initial dosage

which contain a high dosage of the synthetic hormones estrogen and/or progestogen which stops an egg from being released and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

One of the newer Morning After Pill, Levonelle-2, contains only one hormone, a progestogen, and is said to be more effective and with less nausea, and side effects.

Treatment consists of two pills

  • one taken immediately later by a second.
  • One pill taken exactly 12 hours after the first pill

The Morning After Pill's effectiveness is lessened by:

  • certain medications (consult your doctor regarding which ones)
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting

and and are less likely to work if:

  • you take it over seventy-two hours after unprotected sex
  • you have unprotected sex after taking them
  • you forget to take the second set of pills
  • you vomit within two hours of taking the tablets (extra pills, plus something to stop you vomiting may be given)

It prevents about:

  • 95% of pregnancies developing if it is taken within 24 hours after unprotected sex
  • 85% of pregnancies developing if taken within 24-48 hours after unprotected sex
  • 5% of pregnancies developing if taken within 48-72 hours after unprotected sex

The Morning After Pill is designed solely for emergency use and is not a method of contraception.

Advantages
Disadvantages

high effectiveness rate if used within the recommended time period

Side effects*
  women who are advised against using birth control pills should not use the morning after pill

if pregnancy does occur the hormones may adversely affect the fetus

*Side effects include:

  • breast tenderness
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • headaches
  • nausea
  • tiredness
  • vomiting

Back to the top


IUD

The other form of emergency contraception involves having an IUD fitted within five days after unprotected sex, but the sooner an IUD is put in, the better the protection.

This method has a variable success rate and, definitely not 100%. Only standard IUD's are suitable not IUS's. More information about IUD and IUS

Back to the top


Spermicide

Another form of emergency contraception which may reduce the the risk of pregnancy, if your method fails or you have unprotected intercourse, is to immediately insert two applications of spermicide into the vagina.

Inserting spermicide picture (Image credit: Sex & Sexuality)

Back to the top

Information on a new antiviral Herpes Treatment that works in one application.

This Sexual Health Facts & Information site is brought to you in the interest of Minimizing the Risks of Disease, providing Information about STD Transmission, Prevention and Safe Sex Practices, as well as Information about Pregnancy, Birth Control and Sexual Relationships.

Search the Sexual Health Resource

Home || Safe Sex || STDs || Contraception || Sex Tips || Sexual Dysfunction || Support Centers || Sex & Pregnancy || More....

Information and pictures on this site are provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Sexual Health Related Websites

Herpes Message Board & Chat Rooms
Herpes Blog
Cold Sore Facts
HSV Blog
Positive Singles
Sexual Health Resource
Herpes Virus Facts
Generic Herpes Medications
Herpes Treatment
STD Pictures and Information
Beyond Herpes
Complete Herpes Information Center
Natural Health Blog
Get STD Tested


Copyright© 1997 - 2011 Sexually Transmitted Disease Resource
All Rights Reserved
Use of content expressly prohibited