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While it is best to use hormonal or barrier methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy, sometimes an occasion occurs in which birth control is neglected. Other times, birth control may fail. One example of this failure would be a broken condom. Instead of waiting up to several weeks in anticipation of a positive pregnancy test or evidence that you are not, in fact pregnant, you can ask one of our doctors about whether emergency contraception may be a good choice for your particular circumstance. Clicking on the blue bar below or to the right will allow you to consult with a doctor about this sensitive issue from the privacy of your own home.

Emergency contraception, often called the "morning after" pill, works much like a birth control pill, only it can be taken after unprotected sexual intercourse. Depending on the brand, you may take pills once, or two or more doses, several hours or days apart. If you have not yet ovulated, the emergency contraception can prevent you from doing so for several days. This makes it likely that all of the sperm will die before you ovulate, making it very unlikely that you will get pregnant. Another way that emergency contraception works is that it thickens your cervical mucus, which is what sperm swim in. Thickened cervical mucus makes it difficult for the sperm to get to the egg. Finally, the morning after pill can make it difficult for implantation to occur. This means that even if an egg becomes fertilised, it is less likely to implant in the uterine lining, and will instead flush out of your body during your next menstrual period.

Another form of emergency contraception is the insertion of an IUD, or intrauterine device. This device can prevent pregnancy both in the days after you have unprotected sexual intercourse, and for up to five years, depending on the type. It works by blocking sperm, thickening cervical mucus and making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant in the uterine lining. Ask one of our doctors about which type of emergency contraception is right for you.

According to Planned Parenthood, the morning after pill is approximately 89 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It is more effective the earlier that it is taken after unprotected sexual intercourse. While some types of emergency contraception can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, it is always better to take it as soon as possible after you realise that your birth control has failed or was forgotten.

Levonelle is a type of morning after pill that must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. If it has been more than 72 hours since you have had unprotected sex, Levonelle will not work to prevent pregnancy. This type of emergency contraception comes as one white pill, which you should take as soon as possible after you have a contraceptive mishap. If you are over 16, you can get Levonelle from your pharmacist. If you are under 16, you must see a doctor at your local walk-in centre or your doctor's office. Usually after you take Levonelle, you will get your period as you usually do, or you may have some spotting for a few days after taking the pill. If your period is more than five days late, you should see your doctor, as you may be pregnant.

Ellaone is another brand of a morning after pill. The thing that makes Ellaone unique is that it can be taken up to 120 hours, or five days, after unprotected sex. Ellaone is more expensive than other brands of emergency birth control, and it is also only available with a prescription. Talking to one of our doctors can help you decide which type of emergency contraception is right for you.

Most women can take emergency contraception with no serious problems. Common mild side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness or fatigue. You may vomit. You may also experience sore breasts. These side effects are not serious and should resolve on their own within a day or two. Some women have spotting or unexpected bleeding for a few days, or you may get your period early or late that month. If you are concerned about mild side effects, call your doctor or have a consultation with one of our doctors.

Even women who cannot take birth control pills can usually take emergency contraception. The reason for this is that the hormones quickly leave your body and do not last for the whole month, as they do with other types of hormonal birth control. Only a medical doctor will know for sure whether the morning after pill is safe for you.

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