Common Conditions

Having unprotected sex is not something that is recommended, but sometimes it just happens, and it's reassurring to know that there is something you can do after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception can be used when:

• you've not used a condom or other protection
• your condom breaks or falls off
• your diaphragm was used incorrectly or became dislodged
• you've missed more than 1 birth control pill or took it late – this depends on what part of the packet you were up to
• you've been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill
• you've missed your contraceptive injection (Depo-provera) or your IUD has fallen out
• you've been forced to have sex without contraception.

There are two main types of emergency contraception:

• the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) and
• the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).

The ECP

The ECP is also known as the 'morning-after pill'. It is not intended for use as a regular method of preventing pregnancy because it:

• is not as effective as other methods of contraception
• may cause more side effects
• does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
• does not protect against future pregnancies.

You have up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to take the ECP, although it is most effective if taken within 12 hours. A large study showed that 98.5% of women who have taken the ECP within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse will not become pregnant.

The ECP:

• does not make it harder for you to get pregnant next time
• won't cause harm if you use it more than once
• won't cause an abortion if you are already pregnant.

Side effects of the ECP
A few women have mild side effects from the ECP – such as feeling sick or vomiting.

• If you vomit within three hours of taking the ECP, you should see your pharmacist, doctor, or Family Planning clinic for advice and further tablets
• A pharmacist can also supply tablets to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with taking the ECP, but not everyone will need these
• Other possible side effects include tender breasts, headaches, lower abdominal pain, dizziness and fatigue
• Your next period may be later or earlier than usual, or there may be spotting or irregular bleeding before your period occurs.

The IUD

This device is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus (womb). it works by preventing fertilised eggs from attaching to the womb lining. A copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sexual intercourse has almost 100% effectiveness but must be fitted by a doctor or at a Family Planning Clinic. 

More information if you have missed taking your regular contraceptive pill

If you missed a dose of your regular oral contraceptive pill, or took it late, the action you should take depends on the type of pill you use. It also depends on how late you are in taking the pills, or how many you missed.

Check the product information for your pill or ask your pharmacist or other health professional for advice. You may need to use additional protection, such as a condom, for a while. You may also need to consider using emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex in the previous seven days.

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)

This device is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus (womb). It works by preventing fertilised eggs from attaching to the womb lining. It can be fitted by your doctor or at a Family Planning Clinic.

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)

[PHARMACIST ONLY] - see 'How can you get the ECP' below
eg, Levonelle-1, Postinor-1

One Levonelle-1, or Postinor-1 (both contain levonorgestrel) tablet is taken within 72 hours, preferably 12 hours, of unprotected sexual intercourse.

The ECP can prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation and interfering with the mobility of sperm. It does not have any effect on a fertilised egg that has already become attached to the womb lining, and cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm the foetus.

How can you get the ECP?

The ECP can be sold by certain pharmacists or nurses who have special training and accreditation – you do not need a prescription. Accredited pharmacists will have a private area where you can talk about the ECP. Not all pharmacists are accredited, so not all pharmacies will be able to supply you with the ECP.

The ECP can also be obtained from family doctors and Family Planning or Sexual Health Clinics. The Postinor-1 brand of ECP tablet is also available on a prescription from a doctor.

Who can get the ECP?

• the ECP may be sold to women of any age
• the pharmacist is required to record the supply of the ECP, but you do not have to give identifying details
• in some circumstances, the ECP may be supplied to your representative if you cannot attend the pharmacy, although the pharmacist may still want to talk to you by phone 
• you may purchase the ECP for future use.

The pharmacist will refer you to your doctor or a Family Planning Clinic in some situations, such as if you:

• are pregnant or think you might be
• have a period that is more than five days late, is unusually light or heavy, or is painful
• are at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection
• need to consider long term contraception
• are taking medication that can reduce effectiveness of the ECP
• have had sex against your will.

Products to stop you feeling sick or vomiting after taking the ECP

[PHARMACIST ONLY] - can only be sold with the ECP
eg, Antinaus, Buccastem

• pharmacists are able to sell up to ten tablets for the treatment of nausea associated with the ECP
• not everybody will get nausea or vomit after taking the ECP.

 More information about taking the ECP

• the ECP can be used at any time during your menstrual cycle, and can be used more than once in the same cycle
• the ECP is safe to use during breastfeeding
• the ECP is not 100% effective – if your next period is more than five days late you should carry out a pregnancy test.

Availability of medicines

• GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
• PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
• PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
• PRESCRIPTION ONLY available only with a prescription from your doctor or other health professional.

Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz