City of Cape Town Link

Emergency contraception

<h2 class="sectHeading">Types of emergency contraception</h2><p><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/family-care-and-support/pregnancy-and-family-planning/contraception-and-family-planning">Contraception choices</a> like condoms, the female contraceptive pill, the injection etc., are much cheaper and more effective in the long term. There are side effects to having emergency contraception – frequent use can also make your periods unpredictable and irregular.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> <b></b>Emergency contraception does not protect you in any way against HIV/AIDS and STIs and should not be your main form of birth control. See <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-health-and-safety/contagious-and-chronic-diseases/get-wise-to-stis">Get wise to STIs</a>. </p></div></div></span><p><strong>There are two main options available:</strong> </p><ul><li> <b>The emergency pill</b> is an oral contraception method that can be taken by the woman up to 72 hours after having sex. It is most effective in the first 24 hours after having sex.</li><li> <b>The IUD</b> emergency contraceptive can be inserted <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">at a clinic </a>120 hours after sex. This method is proven effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy too.</li></ul><p>Emergency pills and IUD devices are available at all <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">City Health clinics</a> on request and are free. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Physical reactions </h2><p> <strong>If you use emergency contraception, the following symptoms may occur:</strong></p><ul><li>Normal period and menstrual cycle may change – you may get your period later or earlier or it could be lighter or heavier</li><li>Tender breasts</li><li>Dizziness or headaches</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>The pill may cause you to vomit. If you do vomit within two hours of taking the pill, you’ll need to take another one.</p></div></div> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Visit a City clinic</h2> <p>If you need guidance around your contraception choices, or need to find a clinic that can help you with emergency contraception, please visit our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">clinics and healthcare facilities listing page</a> for a facility near you. </p></span>

You can use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex less than 72 hours ago.