The Morning After Pill - Emergency Contraception
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- If you have had unprotected sex and you are concerned that you might get pregnant it is still possible to take emergency contraception. Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation in that cycle or by stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus.
- Emergency contraception or the morning after pill should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex
- Since July 2002, pre-packed emergency pills
 have been available in Australia. They come in a pack of two single tablets, each containing the hormone progestogen. You take one of these tablets as soon as possible after unprotected sex and another tablet 12 hours later. A doctor can prescribe these pills and they cost around $30 from a pharmacy. Since January 2004 these pills have also been available over the counter from a pharmacy (without a prescription)
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Your next period
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After the emergency pill, most women have their next period roughly on time. About 20 per cent will have an early period and 10 per cent a late one. Periods will be delayed if other hormonal contraception has been started straight after using the morning after pill.
You should go back to your doctor or the clinic if your period is more than a week late, the bleeding is lighter than usual or the bleeding is on and off, as you might be pregnant.
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No protection from infection
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The morning after pill does not provide any protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
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If you are confused contact one of the services listed on this page. It is better to get advice than to get it wrong.
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Where To Go
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