Frequently asked questions

What is an EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (also known as "the morning after pill")?

ECPs (also known as “the morning after pill”) 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.

Do ECP's protect against STI's including HIV/ AIDS?

The answer is 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

How do Emergency Contraceptive Pills work?

ECPs (“the morning after pill”) 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 fertilized egg from attaching to your womb

Which pills are available and how do I take them?

(Please consult your provider to find out which ECP's are available to you.)

Pills containing levonorgestrel (progestogen) NORVELO®: Take 2 tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse
Pills containing oestrogen and progestron (combined method), OVRAL®. Take 2 tablets as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse, 2 tablets 12 hours later
Escapelle1.5 Levonorgestrel taken as a single dose
Nordette®: Take 4 tablets as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse, 4 tablets 12 hours later

Are there different types of emergency contraceptive pills?

Yes, different types of ECPs (“the morning after pill”) 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.

Are there any other methods of EC other than pills?

Yes, the Copper containing intrauterine device can also be used as emergency contraception, and should be inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex

How effective is the ECP (“the morning after pill”)?

The emergency contraceptive pill (“the morning after pill”) will make your chances of getting pregnant much less if you take it within 5 days of unprotected sexual intercourse. By how much your chances of getting pregnant wil be reduced, depends on the type of ECP that you use and how soon after unprotected sexual intercourse you take the pills. The progestogen only pill is the most effective pill to use.

Which regular birth control pills can be used as ECP’s?

25 MICROVAL® tablets immediately after unprotected sex and 25 tablets after 12 hours later.
OVRAL 28®: 2 pills taken immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse and 2 pills 12hours later
NORDETTE®: 4 pills immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse and 4 pills 12 hours later

Are there any negative side effects?

ECPs (“the morning after pills”) make some women nauseous, or vomit.
Some types of ECPs may cause breast tenderness or headaches.
Some people experience lower abdominal pain.
These side effects last about one day.
ECPs can also cause a woman's period to come a little early or late.
They can also cause spotting (irregular vaginal bleeding); this is not dangerous and should clear up by the time you have your next period.
If a womens period is more than one week late she needs to go to her health provider for a pregnancy test.
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.

Are emergency contraception pills safe to use?

Yes, it is safe. There has been no deaths reported related to women using ECP’s (“the morning after pill”). Most women are able to use at least one of the different types of EC methods . Medical experts agree there are no situations where the risks outweigh the benefits of being able to prevent unwanted pregnancy after sex.

It is safe to use ECP’s even if you have risk factors for strokes, heart disease, blood clots, or other cardiovascular problems. Medical experts agree that using estrogen and progestin – the hormones found in these pills – on an emergency basis does not carry the same risks as taking oral contraceptives every day.

If your doctor advised you to completely avoid estrogen containing pills, then emergency contraceptive pills that contain only progestin or the Copper containing IUD is still safe to use.

Can ECP’s cause birth defects?

There has as yet been no good studies that specifically looked at this scenario. There has also not been any proof that woman who used emergency contraceptive pills ("morning after pills") has had any birth defects. So, it does not appear that ECP’s causes birth defects.

Can I use ECP’s if I’m breastfeeding?

Yes, it is safe to use emergency contraceptive pills (“the morning after pills”) if you are breastfeeding. ECP’s will not change the quality or quantity of milk that you are producing. Although some hormones may be passed on through the mother’s breast milk, your child is not likely to experience any adverse effects from it.

When do I take Emergency Contraceptive Pills (“the morning after pills”)?

ECPs (“the morning after pills”) can be used if you had unprotected sex in the past 5 days, but the sooner you use it, the greater its efficacy.

You should use an Emergency Contraceptive Pill if:

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.

Can I use ECP's as a normal contraceptive every day?

Emergency contraceptive pills (“the morning after 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).

Where can I get these pills?

if you are in Western Cape Province Or KwaZulu Natal, use this website to find a clinic or pharmacy nearest to you. Or call us on our helpline on the number provided above.

How much will these pills cost?

EC pills (“the morning after pills”) in South Africa is free of charge in the public health care centres.

Do I need a prescription for ECP’s?

No, ECP (“the morning after pills”) are available at clinics and pharmacies without a prescription

From what age can I get ECP’s without consent?

Anyone over the age of 12 years can get ECP”s (“the morning after pills”) without consent.

How are ECP’s (“the morning after pills”) different from abortion pills?

Emergency contraceptive pills (“morning after pills") contain common female hormones, either progestin alone or progestin combined with estrogen. These hormones prevent pregnancy, they do not cause an abortion.