How they are administered?
ECPs are taken within 72 hours of intercourse in two doses 12 hours apart.

The term 'morning-after Pill' is actually very misleading. Because in fact, you don't have to take this pill on 'the morning after' having sex. In reality, it is fairly effective for up to 72 hours (three days).

However, the earlier you take it the better; it works best if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. They are two tablets in a strip found available at your nearby dispensaries in various trade names like ‘Postinor 2’, ‘Levonelle’ etc.

What and how does it do?
It just prevents you getting pregnant after an unprotected vaginal intercourse, in the vast majority of cases. It is not 100 per cent effective, but the failure rate is quite low probably about 10 per cent, and rather better than that if you take it as early as possible.

The PCP is believed to work principally by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg, and by affecting the womb lining, so that a fertilised egg could not 'embed' itself there.

Is it dangerous to use?
Not at all. They causes very little trouble at all. You might feel a little bit sick after taking it, but only about 1 woman in every 60 actually throws up. Uncommon side-effect include headache, tummy ache, breast tenderness, vaginal 'spotting' of blood, dizziness.

Is there any other warnings?
Yes, three:
1. Please note that your next period may come early or late. But if it does not arrive within a couple of days of the expected time, see a doctor.

2. The PCP does not protect you for the rest of your menstrual cycle; therefore, either abstain from sex or use a barrier method (like a condom).

3. The PCP is not good at protecting against ectopic pregnancies, although these are rare - so if by any chance you get lower tummy pain (or abnormal bleeding) in the few weeks after using it, see your doctor.