Advantages of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is very effective when used early, with only 3% of women becoming pregnant if used within 24 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Its use can also provide an appropriate opportunity for a client to start an ongoing family planning method, such as an IUCD.

Disadvantages of emergency contraception

Box 10.4 summarises the disadvantages of using emergency contraception that you should be aware of when advising women.

Box 10.4 Disadvantages of emergency contraception

  • It does not work if women are already pregnant.
  • It has a limited time frame of 5 days following unprotected intercourse.
  • Women still have a small chance of getting pregnant.
  • IUCD insertion requires a trained professional.
  • Neither method provides protection from sexually transmitted infections.
Last modified: Thursday, 26 June 2014, 7:55 PM