Emergency contraceptive pills are considered one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or the lapse of regular birth control and have a success rate of 95%. (WHO: Emergency Contraception) However, the majority of women hesitate to take these pills due to the numerous side effects from them.
Does that mean all the contraceptive pills ever made have severe adverse effects on the body? Well, no, not all drugs show extreme effects and Emergency Contraception Singapore is one of them.
This effective yet safe drug is an excellent choice to prevent unwanted pregnancy, although it is not meant to substitute the use of regular contraception. But before taking this pill you should know about a few things, and we will cover it all in this comprehensive guide. So stay tuned to learn more!
What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) prevents pregnancy after unsafe sex by:
Suppression or delay of ovulation
Preventing fertilization
Preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus
Need to know: Emergency medications will not cause an abortion and will not affect an already existing pregnancy. It is not intended to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Types of Emergency Contraception Singapore
1. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)
Commonly referred to as “morning-after pills,” ECPs contain hormones that primarily delay ovulation. Two of the most widely used types are available in Singapore:
a) Levonorgestrel tablets
Effectiveness: Approximately 85% effective if taken within 72 hours (3 days)
Timing: To be performed within 72 hours of unprotected sex
How it works: Inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
Price: SGD 30 to SGD 60
Note: Effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take it
b) Ulipristal Acetate Tablets
Efficacy: Higher success rate compared to levonorgestrel, especially at day 5
Timing: Can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
How it works: It inhibits ovulation and prevents fertilization
Price: SGD 50 to SGD 80
Note: More effective than the levonorgestrel pills, particularly in women with elevated BMI
2. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective if taken within 5 days of unprotected sex
Timing: Should be inserted by a health care provider within 5 days
Mechanism of action: Sterilizes the environment against sperm and prevents implantation
Duration: Provides up to 10 years of continuous contraception
Price: SGD 300 to SGD 500 (inclusive of consultation and insertion fee)
Note: Present the best form of emergency birth control.
While we are on the topic, do you know that the emergency contraceptive pills market for the US alone is worth $4.04 billion, it is expected to rise and reach $6.09 by 2033.
Body mass index (BMI) – ECPs are less effective in women with a higher BMI
Whether ovulation has already occurred (ECPs are not able to prevent pregnancy if ovulation has already happened)
Where to Obtain Emergency Contraception Singapore
Emergency contraception Singapore is available only by prescription from a physician and not over the counter. Emergency drugs can be procured from:
Healthcare Providers
Private clinic general practitioners (GPs)
Public polyclinics
Private clinics for women’s health
Hospitals (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
University health centers
What to Expect When Receiving Emergency Contraception
1. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible after unprotected sex
2. Have a consultation with a physician
3. Get a prescription for ECPs or have an IUD inserted
4. Cover both the consultation and the contraception method.
Who Can Use Emergency Contraception?
Legal Requirements
Emergency contraception singapore is legal but under a doctor’s prescription
There are no age limitations, although health professionals may use discretion with minors
Medical Considerations
Emergency contraception is safe for most women but might not be appropriate for women with:
Serious liver disease
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
History of breast cancer
Auras that accompany certain migraines
Pregnancy (known or suspected) (because it would be ineffective)
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before taking emergency contraception.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Possible Side Effects of ECPs
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or dizziness
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Abdominal pain
A change in your next menstrual period (sooner, later, heavier, or lighter than normal)
Side effects are mild and go away within a few days. If you throw up within 2 hours of taking an ECP, call your healthcare provider since you will need another dose.
Possible Side Effects of Copper IUD
Pain and cramping on/after insertion
Heavier, longer periods
Bleeding between periods
Risk of expulsion (the IUD falling out on its own)
Extremely low risk of uterine perforation during insertion
Cultural Perspectives in Singapore
Singapore is a multicultural society with different cultural and religious perspectives on contraception. Although attitudes toward reproductive health are liberalizing, some may still encounter:
Stigma around discussing sexual health
Religious aspects
Family pressure and traditional values
Disinformation on emergency medications
Singaporean health workers are predominantly respectful of differences in culture while providing medically accurate information in order to support patients’ decisions in becoming better-informed ones.
Follow-Up Care and Next Steps
After taking ECPs
1. Observe your next menstrual cycle
2. Take a pregnancy test if your period is over a week late
3. Employ a barrier method such as condoms until your next menstrual period
4. Make an appointment for a follow-up visit if you have severe abdominal pain or unusual bleeding
Following Copper IUD Insertion
1. Return for a follow-up appointment (typically 4-6 weeks following insertion)
2. Learn to check for the IUD strings
3. Take note of warning signs that need medical attention
4. Recognize that the copper IUD is now rendering long-term birth control.
DO YOU KNOW? The first emergency contraceptive was a regimen of high doses of estrogen administered to a rape victim in the mid-1960s
Emergency Contraception and Regular Birth Control
Emergency drugs are not a substitute for regular contraceptive methods. For continued pregnancy prevention, use the following more effective options:
Hormonal Methods
Combined oral contraceptive pills (99% effective with perfect use)
Progestin-only pills (99% effective with perfect use)
Contraceptive injections (99% effective, given every 3 months)
Hormonal IUDs (more than 99% effective for 3-7 years, depending on type)
Contraceptive implants (more than 99% effective for up to 5 years)
Non-Hormonal Methods
Copper IUD (more than 99% effective for up to 10 years)
Male condoms (98% effective with constant and proper usage, also protect against STIs)
Female condoms (95% effective with perfect use, also protect against STIs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans:
While emergency contraception is safe for occasional use, it’s not as effective as other forms of contraception. If you’re using emergency pills on a regular basis, talk to your healthcare provider about more effective ongoing methods.
Ans: No, emergency medications do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only barrier methods such as condoms provide protection against both pregnancy and STIs.
Ans: No, emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from happening. It does not end a pregnancy that has already begun. If you are pregnant at the time you take emergency pills, it will not hurt the unborn baby or cause an abortion.
Ans: Coverage differs based on the insurance plan. Emergency contraception is not covered by the majority of private insurance. Call your insurance provider to understand what is covered.
Conclusion
Emergency contraception Singapore offers a quick backup solution to avoid unplanned pregnancy following unprotected sex or birth control failure. Copper IUDs and emergency contraceptive pills are available in Singapore from medical practitioners, although they need to be prescribed by a doctor.
Although effective if used correctly, emergency contraception does not take the place of routine use of preventative methods. For continued pregnancy prevention, discuss with your healthcare provider the most appropriate form of birth control for your lifestyle and needs.
Being aware of your options, understanding where to obtain emergency contraception, and knowing follow-up care is crucial so that you can make informed choices about your reproductive health.
