What is Emergency Contraceptive?
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault.
It is frequently referred to as “The Morning After Pill”; however, women do not need to wait till the morning after to take the ECP. The ECP should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills In South Africa
The ‘morning after’ pill should be taken as soon as possible within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex. It is more effective if taken in the first 24 hours.
The hormone levonorgestrel, at a dose of 1500 micrograms, is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. This is supplied as either two tablets (two x 75mg).
The same medication is also available over the counter from pharmacies as Postinor-2 (two tablets).
If you take oral contraceptive pills, continue taking them as usual.
Methods of emergency contraception
The 4 methods of emergency contraception are:
- ECPs containing UPA
- ECPs containing LNG
- combined oral contraceptive pills
- copper-bearing intrauterine devices.
When is it used?
- After sex without a condom
- when a condom breaks during sex
- if you miss two or more contraceptive
It may not work as well if used more than once in the same menstrual cycle.
Who can use emergency contraception?
Any woman or girl of reproductive age may need emergency contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
There are no absolute medical contraindications to the use of emergency contraception. There are no age limits for the use of emergency contraception. Eligibility criteria for the general use of a copper IUD also apply to the use of a copper IUD for emergency purposes.
Where to Buy the Morning After Pill in South Africa
In South Africa, morning-after pills can be purchased at various locations. Some of the easiest places would be the large pharmacies such as Dis-Chem, Clicks, and Medirite pharmacies.
Many people ask “Can my boyfriend pick up the morning-after pill?” The short answer is Yes, but it depends on the pharmacy.
They usually require your identification, as well as answering of specific questions related to why you are using it (and how often you have done this previously). While this may seem tedious, it is done with your safety in mind
How much is the emergency contraceptive pill in South Africa?
Price of Morning After Pill in South Africa
The cost of the morning-after pill varies depending on the brand and where you buy it. On average, you can expect to pay between R75 to R120 for a morning-after pill in South Africa.
We’ve listed some of the most common brands below with the prices (as regulated by the SEP)
| Morning pill brand | Morning pill price |
|---|---|
| Norlevo | R 68.53 – R 122.95 |
| Plan b | R 57.58 – R 106.21 |
| Vonel | R 61.70 – R 112.51 |
| Medilevo | R 68.53 – R 122.95 |
| Medinor | R 68.53 – R 122.95 |
| Ella | R 163.66 – R 260.54 |
Can you get the morning-after pill at the clinic in South Africa?
Time is (sort of) on your side
You can get it at your local pharmacy or at a clinic, and they’ll give you clear instructions for taking it. The morning-after pill is a progestin-only pill that works by preventing ovulation – and if you don’t ovulate, you can’t fall pregnant.
Are morning-after pills free in South Africa?
It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. In South Africa, the drug is freely available to people of all ages in public health facilities. Additionally, people have been able to get the pill without a doctor’s prescription since 2000.