EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Anyone who has unprotected sex can get a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

SAFER SEX includes carefully using a male condom (which carries the BSI Kitemark or the European CE marking) or a female condom, every time you have sex. You should do this even if you use other methods of contraception.

If you need information or advice about any sexually transmitted diseases, you can contact any of the following:

• a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. You will find the number in the phone book under 'GUM', 'STD', 'special clinic' or 'VD clinic'. Most large hospitals have a clinic.
• your doctor or nurse.
• a family planning clinic.
• the free, confidential, 24-hour National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567123.

A final word

This leaflet can only give basic information about emergency contraception. The information is based on the evidence and medical opinion available at the time of printing. Different people may give you different advice on certain points. *REMEMBER* contact your local family planning clinic if you are worried or unsure about anything.

Contraceptive education service

Produced by the Family Planning Association (FPA) and the Health Education Authority (HEA).

Family Planning Association
27-35 Mortimer Street
London W1N 7RJ
020-7636 7866

Emergency contraception

For when you've had unprotected sex and you don't want to become pregnant.

If you've had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception may have failed, you may need emergency contraception. If you act quickly, this can usually prevent pregnancy.

There are two types of emergency contraception. These are hormonal pills or the IUD (used to be called 'the coil'). The more commonly used method is the pills. Both are for emergency use only.

You can get emergency contraception from:

• any GP who provides contraceptive services.
• any family planning clinic.
• a young persons' clinic or Brook Advisory Centre.
• some hospital accident and emergency departments.
• some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

Emergency pill
What's involved

Two special doses of pills taken 12 hours apart.

How it works

The hormones may stop an egg from being released (ovulation), or they may stop a fertilised egg from implanting in your womb.

Timing

You must take the first set of pills within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. The doctor or nurse may ask if there have been other times when you have had sex since your last period.

Advantages

Over 95% of women who take emergency pills do not become pregnant.

Disadvantages

You may feel sick, although this may be less likely if the pills are taken with food Emergency pills are not suitable for all women. A doctor or nurse will be able to advise you.

Check-up

You should have a check-up with a doctor or nurse. This should be 3-4 weeks after taking the pills, whether or not you had a period.

Emergency pills - Your questions answered

Are the emergency pills the same as the normal contraceptive pill?

Emergency pills contain the same two hormones as the 'combined' pill (oestrogen and progestogen). But they are given in two larger doses, 12 hours apart.

Can anyone use emergency pills?

If you have had a blood clot (thrombosis), you may not be able to take the emergency pills. If you have a bad migraine at the time, this may mean you should not take them. Ask your doctor.

Can the emergency pills fail?

The emergency pills have a failure rate of up to 5%. They are most likely to fail if:

• you take the first two more than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
• you had unprotected sex earlier in your menstrual cycle.
• you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pills.
• you have unprotected sex after taking the pills.

What if I vomit within 3 hours of taking the pills?

Speak to your doctor. They may give you extra pills and a medicine to stop you vomiting again. Or they may suggest fitting an IUD.

If emergency pills fail, will they harm the baby?

Emergency contraception has not been shown to harm the baby.

Will taking the emergency pills affect my fertility in the future?

There is no evidence that your fertility will be affected.

Can women of any age take the emergency pills?

Yes.

Why shouldn't I use emergency pills regularly?

Emergency pills are not as effective as using other contraceptive methods regularly. If you do not want to become pregnant, you should always use contraception when you have sex. Also, women who take emergency pills often have side-effects of nausea and vomiting which can be unpleasant.

The IUD
What's involved

A doctor fitting a copper IUD in your womb.

How it works

It may stop an egg being fertilised or implanting.

Timing

It must be fitted within 5 days of having unprotected sex, or within 5 days after the earliest time you could have released an egg.

Advantages

Very effective, almost 100%. It can provide long-term contraception if you want. If you don't want to continue to have an IUD, a doctor can remove it when you have had your period.

Disadvantages

Not suitable for young women. A doctor will be able to advise you. Not all doctors fit IUDs.

Check-up

You should have a check-up with a doctor. This should be 3-4 weeks after the IUD is fitted, whether or not you have a period.

The IUD
Your questions answered
Why might I have an IUD fitted?

An IUD may be suitable for women who are too late to take emergency pills, or who do not like - or are unable - to take hormones.

Does it hurt to have an IUD put in?

You may have a 'period-type' pain while it is being fitted and for a short time afterwards. You may have a little bleeding - this is not a period.

Emergency contraception
Your questions answered.
Does emergency contraception cause an abortion?

No, emergency contraception may stop ovulation or fertilisation of an egg, or stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. Medical research and legal opinion are quite clear that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and is not abortion. Abortion can only take place after the egg is implanted in the womb. But people who believe that life begins when the egg is fertilised consider that nothing ought to be done to prevent the egg implanting.

When will I get my next period?

Your proper period may arrive on time, a little early or a little late. Your follow-up appointment is important, particularly if your next period is late or unusually light.

When should I see the doctor sooner?

If you are worried about anything to do with your emergency contraception, or have any pain or unusual bleeding, don't wait for your follow-up appointment.

Getting help

If you want to find out more about emergency contraception or any other method of contraception, or you want to know where your nearest family planning or young people's clinic is, ring the Contraceptive Education Service Helpline run by the FPA (9am to Spm). If you want to write, please send a stamped self-addressed envelope.

FPA UK
27-35 Mortimer Street
London W1N 7RJ
020-7636 7866

FPA Scotland
2 Claremont Terrace
Glasgow G3 7XR
0141-211 8138

FPA Wales
4 Museum Place
Cardiff CF1 3BG
02920 342766

FPA Northern Ireland
113 University Street
Belfast BT7 1HP
01232 325488

FREE information on contraception

If you would like more information, the following leaflets are available on request.

• Your guide to contraception (all methods)
• The combined pill
• The progestogen-only pill
• Injections and implants
• The IUD
• Male and female condoms
• Diaphragms and caps
• Natural methods
• Male and female sterilisation
• Contraception after childbirth
• Your guide to safer sex and the condom
• A guide to family planning services

Please send an SAE to:

Contraceptive Education Service
FPA
27-35 Mortimer Street
London WIN 7RJ
020-7636 7866