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What is an EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL? |
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ECPs are a safe and effective method of birth control that can prevent pregnancy after sex.
Although ECPs may be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, they should preferrably be started within 72 hours (3 days), and are most effective if taken within the first 24 hours after sex.
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Do ECP's protect against STI's ( Sexually Transmitted Infections ) including HIV/ AIDS? |
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NO,
Condoms are the most effective protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/ AIDS, and should be used every time you have sex. If you think that you might have a STI, speak to your health care provider to arrange the necessary tests
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How do Emergency Contraceptive Pills work? |
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ECPs prevent pregnancy by:
- Stopping or delaying an egg from being released from the ovary;
- Preventing the sperm from getting to the egg; or
- Stopping a fertilised egg from attaching to your womb
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Which pills are available and how do I take them? |
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Please consult your provider to find out which ECP's are available to you.
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Are there different types of emergency contraceptive pills? |
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Yes, different types of ECPs have different levels of effectiveness and side effects. Taken in special doses, some regular contraceptive pills can be used as emergency contraception. Please ask your provider.
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Are there any negative side effects? |
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ECPs make some women nauseous, or vomit. Some types of ECPs may cause sore breasts or headaches. These side effects last about one day. ECPs can also cause a woman's period to come a little early or late. They do not affect a woman's ability to fall pregnant in the future. If you fall pregnant despite the use of ECPs, the baby will not be harmed in any way.
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When do I take Emergency Contraceptive Pills? |
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ECPs can be used if you had unprotected sex in the past 5 days.
You should use an Emergency Contraceptive Pill if:
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You didn't use any contraception.
- The condom broke while having sex.
- You are more than 2 weeks late for your contraceptive injection.
- You have missed 2 or more contraceptive pills.
-You were forced to have sex and are not on contraceptives.
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Can I use ECP's as a normal contraceptive every day? |
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Emergency contraceptive pills are for emergency use only!
ECPs are not for use as regular birth control. They are not as effective as regular birth control methods and have more side effects than regular contraception.
If you are having sex, use a regular contraceptive method (the pill, condoms or injection).
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