There are 2 emergency contraceptive pills available in Australia:

- Ulipristal acetate (sold as EllaOne)- this can be taken within 5 days after unprotected sex

- Levonorgestrel (sold in many different brands)- this can be taken within 3 days after unprotected sex

Another form of emergency contraceptive is the Copper intrauterine Device- this can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and can be used as a long term contracceptive. This needs to be inserted by a specially trained doctor or nurse.

- After sex without a condom

- When a condom breaks or slips off during sex

- You forgot your usual hormonal contraceptive

Emergency contraceptive pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The earlier it is taken, the higher the chance of it working to prevent pregnancy.

Ulipristal acetate is effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) and Levonorgestrel is effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

The emergency contraceptive pill works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from your ovary. It is not an abortion pill. If an egg has already been fertilised, the emergency contraceptive won't work. It does not prevent sexually transmittable infections (STIs).

The emergency contraceptive pill is not a regular contraceptive method as it is not as effective as other contraceptive methods. If you need a regular contraceptive, you should see your GP to discuss your options.

After Birth:

Both levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pills are safe at any time after birth.

Breast Feeding:

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill is safe in breastfeeding and your breast milk will not be affected.

Ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill is generally thought to be safe in breast feeding but there is not enough data and you should express and throw out your breast milk for 24hours after taking ulipristal acetate.

- Change your next period- it may come later or earlier and change the amount of bleeding

- nausea

- headaches

- bloating

- abdominal pain

- sore breasts

If your period is more than 7 days late or lighter or heavier than usual or if you think you may be pregnant, you should do a urine pregnancy test or see your GP.

If you do fall pregnant after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, it will not harm the pregnancy. It is safe to continue the pregnancy or to have a termination.

You should not take an oral contraceptive pill or progesterone containing contraceptive (eg implant, injection) for 5 days after taking Ulipristal acetate, as these can make ulipristal acetate less effective at preventing pregnancy. You should use a different form of contraception during this time.