Emergency Contraceptive Pill
EFFECTIVENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL WHEN USED PROPERLY
Reasonable reliability.1
WHAT IS IT?
Women should take the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse – ideally within 12 hours, but you can take it up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The sooner a woman takes it the more effective it will be. The emergency contraceptive pill contains progestogen only and works by inhibiting ovulation.
WOULD THIS METHOD SUIT ME?
This emergency method of contraception can be used if unprotected sex has taken place or when another method of contraception has failed (e.g. torn condom or forgotten pill). It should not be used regularly, and is only intended as a back-up method. After using emergency contraception you should use another form of contraception for the rest of your cycle to protect yourself if you do not want to become pregnant.
