Everything you need to know about emergency contraception in Singapore

Perhaps the condom broke, it slipped off, you didn’t take your pill, or you and your partner both forgot to use any protection at all. Either way, the fact remains. It’s happened, and now you need to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. We’re here to help — we’ve listed all you need to know about emergency contraception, from your options to the cost involved and how to go about it.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is meant to disrupt or delay ovulation (the release of an egg) or prevent fertilisation.

Types of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception pills, also called Plan B or the morning-after pill, prevent pregnancy and are different from abortion pills which actually terminate an existing pregnancy. (FYI, if you take a Plan B pill when you're pregnant, it won't induce an abortion.)

Less commonly, the intrauterine device (IUD), is a popular primary method of birth control. Although not usually used in emergent circumstances, it can be used as emergency contraception as well.

How do I obtain the pill or an IUD?

Whether you’re taking the pill or having an IUD inserted, you need to consult a doctor as the pills aren’t available over the counter. You will be able to obtain the drug from a doctor after a consultation. But do remember, you have to consult the doctor yourself. Your partner cannot consult the doctor on your behalf.

How much does it cost?

One Plan B pill costs around $50, while an IUD will set you back at least $400, although this IUD will remain effective for years.

Plan B pill

Several different emergency contraception pills exist around the world, and the Plan B pill options available in Singapore are Levonorgestrel EC and EllaOne. These two types prevent pregnancy by disrupting ovulation.

These drugs can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, although they should be taken as soon as possible since the pills are more effective the sooner they are ingested. 

The next period you get after taking the pill will be different from your usual flow and cycle. It may come earlier or later, and the flow may be heavier or lighter. However, if you don’t get your period within three weeks of taking emergency contraception, or if you show any symptoms of pregnancy, consult a doctor or take a pregnancy test.

Additionally, if your bleeding or spotting lasts longer than a week, or you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen three to five weeks after the pill, consult a doctor as well.

Some women report experiencing some symptoms after taking the pill, such as nausea, dizziness and headaches. One way to mitigate nausea would be to take the pill after a meal or take anti-nausea medication an hour prior.

If you vomit less than two hours after taking the pill, you may need to consult the doctor again to discuss if you should take another pill. With EllaOne, breastfeeding will also be affected.

IUD

An IUD is a small T-shaped device (around the size of a 50-cent coin) made from plastic and copper that’s inserted into your womb by a trained healthcare professional. The copper affects your womb lining, preventing sperm from fertilising the egg and stopping the egg from implanting.

For the IUD to be effective, it can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time you could have ovulated.

The insertion process is quick and easy, taking just a couple of minutes. However, it can be uncomfortable, and you may experience cramps and a heavier, longer or more painful period after.

The IUD, which kicks in once inserted, prevents sperm from reaching the egg and affects the womb lining so that implantation doesn’t occur. In fact, it is actually the most effective form of emergency contraception. The IUD lasts up to a decade and can be removed anytime.