Emergency contraception in questions

Emergency contraception: how does it work?

La emergency contraception helps prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected or poorly protected sex, especially after forgetting a pill or condom accident. It actually exists two types of emergency contraception : the ” morning after pill “And the copper IUD. These two methods can be taken at any time during the cycle, but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or HIV.

Who is emergency contraception intended for?

The use of emergency contraception is more common among young women, under 25, single and childless. All women are however concerned by the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy, even those who take regular contraception because the pill quickly loses its effectiveness if it is not taken every day at the same time (plus or minus 3 hours for a combined pill, plus or minus 12 hours for a combined pill).

Emergency contraception: how effective is it?

The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on how quickly you take it after intercourse at risk of pregnancy. The “morning after pill” must therefore be taken as soon as possible et at the latest within 3 days. Its efficiency rate drops from 95% on the first day to 58% on the third. The copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse and its rate of effectiveness is 99,9%.

How to get emergency contraception?

The “morning after pill” is available in pharmacies, with or without a prescription. It is also delivered free of charge in planning centers, to the school nurse and to minors who request it in pharmacies. On the other hand, the copper IUD must be inserted by a general practitioner or by a gynecologist, in an office or in a planning center.

Emergency contraception: how much does it cost?

Contraindications for emergency contraception

There is no contraindication when taking emergency contraception. If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, however, you will need to be even more vigilant, monitor the onset of periods and consult a doctor quickly if you experience abdominal pain or suffer from abnormal bleeding.

Regarding the copper IUD, the contraindications are the same as those of any other intrauterine device: recent infection of the uterus, hemorrhagic diseases, uterine malformations or even certain fibroids.

Emergency contraception: possible side effects

In very rare cases, the “morning after pill” may cause unwanted effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tension. These effects are moderate and most often go away without treatment.. Bleeding, which is not serious, also occurs in about 20% of cases. Be careful, these are not necessarily periods and you must therefore continue to use condoms until the next period returns.

The copper IUD is generally well tolerated, although it can also cause pain and bleeding.

Emergency contraception: consequences for fertility?

Emergency contraception does not make sterile, but it should not replace a regular method of contraception, which is more effective in preventing pregnancy. Its repeated intake may also cause significant disruption of the menstrual cycle (delay of the expected date of menstruation).

Emergency contraception: what to do in case of vomiting?

If you vomit less than 3 hours after taking the “morning after pill”, you have to take another tablet in order to avoid incomplete absorption which would make it ineffective. And if your period doesn’t come on schedule, don’t hesitate to take a pregnancy test and see your doctor.

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