Not knowing where to get emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy can be quite stressful in the event of having unprotected sex. We discuss available types of morning-after pills as well as where you can go to purchase them.
If you want to know more about the morning after pill, head over to read ‘What are Emergency Contraceptive Pills?’
For more information on oral contraceptives, read ‘Contraceptive Pills 101: A Complete Guide’ and ‘What are the Different Options for Oral Contraceptives?’
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a contraceptive method that can be used to prevent pregnancies from occurring after sexual intercourse.
They usually need to be used within 5 days of having unprotected sex to be effective and the sooner they are used, the more effective they will be.
Emergency contraception is recommended when there is a possible contraceptive failure, such as condom breakage or missed doses of birth control pills or when there is sexual assault.
It is estimated that emergency contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 90%, depending on factors such as ovulation and the time when it was used. They should not, however, be used as your regular contraception method.
Types of emergency contraception
There are 2 ways in which you can prevent pregnancy in the event of unprotected sexual intercourse – the copper IUD and the emergency contraceptive pill.
Copper IUD
Also known as a ParaGard IUD, the copper IUD needs to be used within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex. This plastic T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus and has a copper wire that is toxic to sperm wrapped around it.
Emergency contraceptive pills
Emergency contraceptive pills or the ‘morning-after’ pill is often used as ‘backup contraception’. They should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse to maximize their effectiveness.
They work by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization. If fertilization has already occurred, it prevents the fertilized egg from implanting on the uterus. Emergency contraceptive pills either contain the hormones levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate.
Ulipristal acetate
Pills with ulipristal acetate can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse but should be taken as soon as possible.
You will need advice from a medical professional in order to get it. Online medical consultation and treatments are available if you are unable to go to a clinic.
The brand name for ulipristal acetate pills is Ella. Ella might not work as well if you are over 88kg.
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills can be purchased over the counter in some pharmacies and drugstores in the US, but will still need a sign-off from a medical professional in Singapore. While you can take them up to 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse, they are most effective when taken within 3 days (72 hours).
Brand names for levonorgestrel pills include Plan B One-Step, My Way, Take Action, AfterPill, My Choice, Preventeza, EContra and Aftera. This type of pill may not work if you are over 70kg.
Where to get the emergency contraceptive pills in Singapore?
In Singapore, emergency contraceptive pills are only available with a medical professional’s sign-off. It is available for all women, regardless of age. However, the woman must consult a medical professional herself. A man cannot do it on behalf of his partner.
Clinics or hospitals
You can head to any general practitioner for the morning after pill.
Delivery services
If you are unable to see a medical professional, direct telemedicine providers such as Ova might be the answer for you. All you need to do is fill in a questionnaire, speak to our team of medical professionals online and the morning after pill will be sent to your doorstep within 4 hours.
Are emergency contraceptive pills expensive?
According to Planned Parenthood, in the US, levonorgestrel contraceptive pill Plan B One-Step costs between $40 to $50, while other brands usually cost less ($11 to $45).
Ella usually costs $50 and above from a pharmacy but the price is $90 if ordered online. This extra cost covers online medical consultation and shipping.
If you have health insurance, you may be able to get these pills for free. You do, however, need to have a sign-off from a medical professional in order for your insurance to cover them. Each insurance works differently, you will have to check in with them to ascertain your coverage.
How much does the emergency contraceptive pill cost in Singapore?
The morning after pill can cost anywhere from $25 to $50, depending on the brand. Note that all pills work the same way and thus, pricing does not indicate its effectiveness.
Because emergency contraceptive pills are quite costly, you don’t want to be taking them every time after you have sex.
Instead, opt for regular contraceptive methods such as birth control pills.
Conclusion
Emergency contraceptive pills can be a lifesaver if for some reason you did not manage to use protection during intercourse. It should not, however, be used often.