Emergency contraception

Young people must endeavour that sexual life or sex would be safer in order to preserve their sexual/reproductive health. Safer sex means that protection measures against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy are used by sexual partners. A condom is the best protection against sexually transmitted infections. It is also a perfect protection against unplanned pregnancy. Contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, pessaries, jellies, coils, protect only against unplanned pregnancy.

Embarrassing situations can occur even to the people protecting themselves against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy: they can forget to take the contraception pill, condom can slip off or tear. The situations happen when no preparations were made for sexual intercourse, no protection means were used. There are cases of sexual intercourse due to violence. You could use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. It will not be necessary to wait for another month worrying about eventual pregnancy you are not prepared to.

Emergency Contraception (EC) is a safe and effective method of birth control that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. Unprotected sex means sex without using contraception or if you had a contraceptive accident (such as a broken condom). The most common method of EC is Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs). In some cases, a copper intrauterine device (IUD) also can be used as emergency contraception. All emergency contraceptive methods must be used within five days of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is like the last possibility to avoid both pregnancy and abortion.

What must be known about emergency contraceptive pills?

ECPs are pills made up of the same hormones found in regular birth control pills and are taken in a short, elevated dose. ECPs prevent pregnancy. The progestin-only pills Postinor is specially prepackaged for emergency contraception. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

ECPs are not intended for regular contraception. They should be used in emergency situation only. Regular contraception cannot be replaced by an emergency contraception.

Do emergency contraceptive pills induce abortion?

No ECPs prevent pregnancy and will not work if you are already pregnant. ECPs cannot dislodge an existing pregnancy. If you take ECPs without knowing you are pregnant, ECPs will not harm the developing fetus.

How do emergency contraceptive pills work?

ECPs work primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation. They may also work by preventing fertilization or by preventing implantation of the fertilized egg in the lining of the womb.

If you have unprotected sex after using ECPs, they will not protect you. Use a regular contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy.

How are emergency contraceptive pills used?

ECPs can be used on any day of the menstrual cycle The sooner you take them after intercourse the more effective they are. Standard ECP dosing is to take the first pill as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) and the second pill 12 hours later. Important new research has shown that the ECPs also are effective if both pills are taken in a single dose as soon as possible but not later than 72 -120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse. If it is easier for you to take both EC pills at one time rather than waiting 12 hours to take the second dose, you may do so. You may also wish to consult the doctor about ECPs.

How effective are ECPs?

The Postinor brand ECP has been found to reduce the risk of pregnancy after sex by 85%. ECPs are not as effective as consistent and correct use of most modern contraceptive methods (condoms, pills, injectables, IUDs, sterilization, etc.). If a woman uses ECPs frequently, her chance of becoming pregnant is higher than if she uses most regular contraceptives. This is why ECPs are not a substitute for regular contraceptives.

Are ECPs safe?

Yes. According to WHO, there are no absolute contraindications for ECPs because the amount of hormone is too small to have a clinically significant impact.

Do ECPs cause side effects?

ECPs may cause temporary and minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, cramping, or breast tenderness. These side effects generally do not last more than 24 hours. If vomiting occurs within one hour of taking either ECP dose, some experts belive that the dose should be repeated.

Do emergency contraceptive pills protect against sexually transmitted infections?

ECPs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the only birth control method that provides protection device against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Where can you get emergency contraceptive pills?

Emergency contraception pills in Lithuania can be bought in pharmacies, with the doctor's receipt. Take care of the receipt in advance! Ask receipt for emergency contraception during the current visit to your gynecologist or family doctor. In critical situation, you can apply to the gynecologist on duty at the in-patient gynecology department.


What should you do after using ECPs?

You will not see any immediate signs showing whether or not the ECPs worked. In most women, menses will come up to a week earlier or later than expected. If your period is more than a week later than expected or if you have any cause for concern, see your health care provider.

To avoid fear of becoming pregnant in the future, consult with the doctor about regular contraception.

The Family Planning and Sexual Health Association protects reproductive/sexual rights of human being and endeavours that information about reproductive health and high quality reproductive health services would be available to each individual, that each individual could freely decide about his/her decisions in reproduction sphere.

This work was funded by Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) as part of its Small Grants Program.