What is the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)?

The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is a pill that is taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

The ECP: 

• Stops or delays the release of an egg from your ovaries until the sperm aren’t active in your body any more.
• Prevents the sperm from fertilising an egg by changing the way the sperm moves in your body.
• Doesn’t work once the egg has been fertilised.
• Doesn’t harm you or a developing embryo.

When can I take the ECP?

The ECP is approved to be taken up to 72 hours after sex (three days). However for most people it is still effective up to four days after sex.

How effective is it?

It has a success rate of 98% for those of average weight when taken within four days of unprotected sex. 

The ECP is not as effective if you weigh more than 70kg, and in this situation, a copper IUD is recommended. If you decide you want to take the ECP, you should take a double dose – two ECPs together.

Tell the doctor or nurse you see about any other medication you are taking as you may need extra ECPs or a copper IUD. If you vomit within three hours of taking the ECP you’ll need to get another one.

An alternative method of emergency contraception is the Copper IUD. It is inserted up to five days after the egg is released, and it’s almost 100% effective. It's more effective if you weigh more than 70kg.  

The copper IUD has the advantage of providing long-term contraception - if you like it, you can leave it in place for years. 

Does the ECP have any side effects?

A few people have mild side effects like feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting. You can take the ECP with food to lessen the chance of nausea.

There is a very small risk of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) if the ECP fails. This can occur with any pregnancy and can be dangerous. If you have cramping or bleeding, see a doctor or go back to the clinic. 

If you think you could be hapū (pregnant), have a pregnancy test three to four weeks after you use the ECP.

Can I get the ECP in advance?

Yes, you can get it from our clinics or your doctor on prescription.

You can have it at home just in case and having it handy means you can take it as soon as you realise there is a problem.

What else should I know about the ECP?

• It contains progestogen, which is a very safe hormone.
• It doesn't make it harder for you to get pregnant later on.
• It’s not harmful if you use it more than once.
• It won’t cause an abortion if you are already pregnant.

Can I use the ECP as a regular method of contraception?

No. The ECP is not as effective as other contraceptive methods, doesn’t protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs), and doesn’t protect you from pregnancy for future sex, so it’s unwise to use it as a regular method of contraception.

Please know: If you were forced into or were unwilling about the sexual activity, talk to us. We can help you get support. If your situation is unsafe, you can use the Shielded Site tool at the bottom of this page and every page on our website to contact Women's Refuge or to find information that might help. You can also find more information at www.saats-link.nz