Emergency Contraception is a type of emergency birth control method that is meant for unexpected situations when you have had unprotected sexual intercourse or your regular birth control method did not work correctly.
There are 2 main types of Emergency Contraception available in Singapore – the Emergency Contraceptive Pill and the Copper IUD.
Contents
- 1 Emergency Contraception Singapore
- 1.1 When is Emergency Contraception Required?
- 1.2 How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
- 1.3 Is Emergency Contraception Suitable for me?
- 1.4 What are the Different Types of Emergency Contraception Available in Singapore?
- 1.5 How Effective is Emergency Contraception?
- 1.6 What are the Side Effects of Emergency Contraception?
- 1.7 Is the Copper IUD as a Form of Emergency Contraception Better Than the Pill?
When is Emergency Contraception Required?
Emergency Contraception in Singapore is usually meant for last minute emergencies or when an unexpected accident occurs.
Being in such a situation can be extremely distressing and stressful for the woman.
You may need to consider Emergency Contraception if you encountered any of the following situations:
- Had unprotected sexual intercourse within the last 5 days
- Missed your regular birth control pill
- Condom breakage or slippage
- Incorrect contraception use or possible contraception failure
- Concerns that your regular contraception may not be working due to delay
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency Contraceptive Pill
The emergency contraceptive pill works by making use of a high dosage of hormones to delay or prevent ovulation from happening.
Ovulation refers to the release of the egg from the ovary. By delaying or preventing this release, it then helps to prevent fertilization and hence avoids an unwanted pregnancy.
The Copper IUD is also a form of emergency contraception. The Copper IUD works by preventing fertilization and implantation which is a more effective way in preventing an unwanted pregnancy.
Furthermore, the copper IUD can then be kept inside the uterus to be used as a regular form of long term birth control method.
Is Emergency Contraception Suitable for me?
You will first be required to have a doctor’s consultation to determine if your situation has any risk of an unwanted pregnancy happening, and if emergency contraception is required.
It is important for you to be assessed by an experienced doctor as taking a high dose of hormones can be associated with side effects and should not be done unnecessarily.
Your doctor will take a detailed history during the consultation and provide you with the best advice after that.
It is important to be assessed by an experienced doctor as certain medications or medical conditions may make emergency contraception unsuitable, or will affect the appropriate type of emergency contraception recommended for you.
It is also important to understand that certain medications can make emergency contraception less effective.
Additionally, breastfeeding mothers will need special attention as certain hormonal pills can interfere with breastfeeding and you may be required to discard your breastmilk for up to a week after that.
Think you need Emergency Contraception?
What are the Different Types of Emergency Contraception Available in Singapore?
There are 2 main forms of Emergency Contraception available in Singapore – the Morning After Pill (also known as the Plan B pill) or the Copper IUD.
Amongst the Morning After pill, there are 2 types: Ella and Postinor
The most commonly offered type of emergency contraception in Singapore is the morning after pill Ella and Postinor. The Copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. Additionally, it can further be used for up to 5 years as a form of regular contraception.
Emergency Contraceptive Type | Copper IUD | Ella | Postinor |
|---|---|---|---|
Timing | Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse | Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse. Efficacy is reduced the later the pill is taken | Effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse
|
Dosage | Once off insertion, can be kept for up to 5 years as a form of regular birth control | 1 tablet taken immediately | 2 tablets taken, 12 hours apart |
Think you need Emergency Contraception?
How Effective is Emergency Contraception?
The effectiveness and success rate of emergency contraception greatly depends on how soon after unprotected sexual intercourse it is taken.
The Copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception as it prevents fertilization and implantation from taking place.
The emergency contraceptive pills are effective only if ovulation has not taken place. If ovulation has already occurred, then they will not be effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy.
If used appropriately and in a timely manner, emergency contraception pills can reduce the chances of pregnancy by 90% if taken shortly after. This efficacy is greatly reduced the longer a woman waits.
The Copper IUD on the other hand can be up to 99% effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy in an emergency situation, and can also be used after that as regular long term birth control.
What are the Side Effects of Emergency Contraception?
As the emergency contraceptive pill contains a very high level of hormones, some side effects may be expected after taking them.
Some common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Change in the next menstrual cycle
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal cramping
- Headaches
Do take note that if vomiting occurs within 2-3 hours of consuming the emergency contraceptive pill, an additional dose of the pill may be required.
Any significantly abnormal delay or change in your menstrual pattern or vaginal bleeding pattern needs to raise suspicion of an early pregnancy, and a urine pregnancy test should be performed.
Is the Copper IUD as a Form of Emergency Contraception Better Than the Pill?
The Copper IUD is a more effective form of emergency contraception compared to the pill.
Having the Copper IUD inserted can help to prevent fertilization and implantation which provides additional protection against any unwanted pregnancy.
Additionally, the copper IUD can also be left in the womb to be used as a form of long term regular birth control, which makes it extremely convenient for the woman.
This will greatly ensure that she is well protected and does not have to go through the stress of any risk of an unwanted pregnancy happening.
If you are considering getting a copper IUD inserted as a form of emergency contraception, do consult your doctor first for an assessment on whether the copper IUD is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot buy emergency contraception from the pharmacy. In Singapore, a licensed doctor’s prescription is required before you can obtain emergency contraception.
Moreover, only an experienced women’s health doctor is able to perform the Copper IUD procedure.
You can get all forms of Emergency Contraception at a women’s health clinic like Ezra Clinic. We offer both the Emergency Contraceptive Pill as well as the Copper IUD.
Think you need Emergency Contraception?
AUTHOR
Dr Michelle Chia
Medical Director
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Dr Michelle's journey allowed her to train in Women's Health and Aesthetic Medicine. Her experience has led her to be featured on multiple media platforms including Radio Stations and prominent Magazines like Her World, Women's Weekly and CLEO. Her work has also received recognition both locally and internationally in several Medical Conferences.
Ezra Clinic is a Women’s Health, Wellness and Aesthetic Clinic that is conveniently located at the top floor of Royal Square Medical Suites in Novena, Singapore’s Medical Health Hub.
Helmed by Dr Michelle Chia, Ezra Clinic is your chosen one stop clinic for all your Women’s Health and Wellness needs.
Address
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-09, Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565