The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is a pill or set of pills that can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The pill can be accessed from pharmacists without a prescription. So if you forgot to use a condom or it broke, you may want to consider getting the ‘morning after’ pill.
Hero of the Morning After
How It Works
The ECP contains hormones that are similar to the oral contraceptive pill, but in a much higher dose. It stops or delays the ovaries from releasing an egg, and prevents fertilized eggs from implanting in the womb. ECP is a back-up method and should not be taken as a regular contraceptive as the hormones can drastically change your cycle.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of ECP can be measured on a scale of between 58%-95%. It is more effective the sooner you take it. Although it can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, it is most effective when taken within 24 hours. Here’s the breakdown:
95% effective when taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex
85% effective when taken within 25-48 hours after unprotected sex
58% effective when taken within 49-72 hours after unprotected sex
- Can help prevent pregnancy in the case of an accident (forgotten condom or condom break)
- Can be accessed at almost any pharmacy without a prescription
- It may cause nausea, headaches, vomiting, abdominal or pelvic pain, dizziness or fatigue
- If used too often, it may change your regular menstrual cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I take ECP more than once in a month?
It is not advised to take ECP that often. It will interrupt your regular cycle and make it difficult to know when your period will come or when you are ovulating. ECP should not be used as a regular contraceptive and should only be used in emergencies.
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If I miss my regular contraceptive pill, can I take ECP?
If you miss one pill, there is no need to take an ECP, simply take it as soon as you remember. However, in the case that you missed two or more pills, you can take ECP.
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What if I am already pregnant? Can it stop the pregnancy?
No, ECP is not an abortion pill. It cannot stop an existing pregnancy.
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If I took an ECP but I am already pregnant, will it harm my baby?
No, there is no evidence that ECPs will cause any harm to an unborn baby.
