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Emergency
contraception
 What
is it?
•
If
you have had sex without using contraception or if something stops your
contraceptive method from working properly e.g. if you missed one or more
pills or if a condom slipped off or split and you think you are at risk
of pregnancy, you may be able to use emergency contraception. Emergency
contraception works after you've had sex and before pregnancy begins.
There
are two types of emergency contraception:
•
The
emergency pills which are sometimes called the morning after pill.
They must be started within 3 days (72hrs) from the time you had sex.
They are most effective if you start taking them within 24 hrs of sex.
They can only
be used occasionally as it isn't effective as a regular contraceptive.
Emergency
•
IUD
can be fitted in your womb by a doctor. This should be done within 5 days
from the time you've had sex. Once it has been fitted you can keep it
as a regular method of contraception, or you can have it taken out when
the next period starts.
Where
do you get it?
•
If
you need to get emergency contraception you can go to your local doctor
who will advise you. Alternatively you can go to the casualty department
of any hospital. If it's after business hours you can contact the Doctor
on call service 1850 777911 (6.00pm - 8am, 24 hrs Weekend and
Public Holidays).
•
The
sooner you take emergency contraception the more effective it is It is
best not to take alcohol or drugs after taking the emergency pills in
case you're sick. It's a good idea to go back to your doctor in 3 weeks
after taking the emergency pill to check everything is O.K.
•
Remember
emergency contraception is only for when your regular contraception has
failed. Your doctor/ nurse will advise you on which form of contraception
will suits you best.
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