Emergency Hormonal Contraception (Morning After Pill)

How effective?

Emergency Hormonal Contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken after sex but is not as effective as using a regular method of contraception and it also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency Hormonal Contraception is:

• Up to 95% effective if taken within 24 hours
• Up to 85% if taken between 25-48 hours
• Up to 58% if taken between 49-72 hours

What is Emergency Hormonal Contraception?

It is one tablet which you take following an episode of unprotected sex. The table contains progestogen which is similar to the hormone that women produce in their ovaries.

How it works

It is most likely to stop an egg being released (ovulation) or may delay ovulation. It can also stop a fertilised egg from settling within your uterus (womb).

Comments

If you vomit within 2 hours of taken the tablet you should speak to a health care professional as you may need to take another tablet.

If you have a further episode of unprotected sex before your next period you will need to speak to a health care professional. Taking emergency hormonal contraception does not provide contraceptive cover for any future episodes of unprotected sex.