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* Select one of the following CY Services *
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* Condoms *
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* Contraception *
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* Pregnancy Testing *
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* Emergency Contraception *
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* Infection Advice *
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Emergency Contraception (the morning after pill)
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What is it?
A pill that contains the hormone progesterone - taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Taken as soon as possible with or after food.

Emergency contraception works best if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex.

How effective is it?
The emergency contraceptive pill is up to 85% effective so it is not as effective as using other methods of contraception. The sooner it is started the better it works.

How does it work?
It may work by stopping or delaying the body releasing an egg (ovulation).

It may stop a fertilized egg implanting in your womb.

Advantages
  • Very useful in an emergency when contraception has failed or been forgotten.
  • Can be taken as often as required.
Disadvantages
  • Most women will have no side effects with the emergency contraceptive pill. Rarely side effects may be feeling sick or vomiting.
  • Your next period may be on time, earlier or later than normal. You may have some light bleeding 5-7 days after taking the pills. If you do not have a normal period within 3 weeks of taking the emergency contraception you should have a pregnancy test.
  • The emergency contraceptive pill only covers you for unprotected sex in the 72 hours prior to taking it.
  • There is a 15% failure rate - therefore it is not recommended as a regular method of contraception - just for emergency use.
Is it suitable for all women?
The emergency contraceptive pill is safe for most women. Certain prescribed or complementary medication may decrease the effectiveness. Women who suffer from certain conditions may need special advice.

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If it fails to work will it harm a pregnancy?
There is no evidence to suggest it may harm a pregnancy.

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If you are under 16 pregnant and want an abortion do your parents/ guardians have to know?
No, you do not normally have to tell or get permission for an abortion from your parents or guardian. However this is at the discretion of the doctor at the hospital who is responsible for the procedure – the doctor may decide that a parent or guardian should be involved. A guardian can be taken as an aunt or mature adult e.g. friend’s mum who is willing to take responsibility for you.

You will have to be collected from the hospital by a responsible person for your own safety following the procedure otherwise the hospital may be obliged to keep you in.

After your pregnancy is diagnosed staff at Caledonia Youth need to know that you are safe and are doing something about it. We will make you a counselling appointment and if you fail to turn up and don’t contact us we will have to get in touch with you to make sure you are safe. It is advisable that someone outside of CY knows about your pregnancy as there can be dangers associated with being pregnant and also it can help to have someone to talk to .

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