Morning-after pill

What is the morning-after pill?

The morning-after pill is a pill that prevents you from getting pregnant by delaying ovulation. It is often referred to as emergency contraception, or by the brand name, Plan B. If you take this pill, the sperm cells do not encounter an egg cell. Then fertilization cannot take place. The morning-after pill is an emergency solution, so not contraception.

Please note: not 100% successful
A morning-after pill does not always prevent pregnancy. If an egg has already been released, the morning-after pill can no longer do anything. The egg can then be fertilized by a sperm cell.

When to take the morning-after pill?

If you take the morning-after pill within 12 hours of sex, you have the best chance of not getting pregnant. A little later is also possible. But the sooner the better.

2 types 

• Postinor and NorLevo: works up to 3 days or 72 hours after unprotected sex
• Ella One: works up to 5 days or 120 hours after unprotected sex

These can cost between 9 and 23 guilders depending on the type and brand you use. 

Tip: Share the costs with your sexual partner

Remember! 

If you throw up within 3 hours of taking the morning-after pill, take another one as soon as possible. 

Where do you get the morning-after pill?

The morning-after pill is available at pharmacies. You do not need a prescription from your doctor. It is also available at Fundashon Famia Plania.

In the evening or on Sunday?

Do you need a morning-after pill in the evening or on Sunday?

In Curaçao, there are always 2 pharmacies open during the night and on a Sunday. The pharmacies take turns doing this. You can find out the schedule on the following link, Botika Na Warda  or by following the following Facebook page, Botika Na Warda Caribe.  

Tip
Make sure you always have a morning-after pill at home. Then you are prepared if something goes wrong with the contraception. Do keep an eye on the expiration date.

Are you taking any medicines?

Do you take drugs to treat HIV, epilepsy or tuberculosis? 

Or any herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort? 

If you’ve taken any of these in the last 4 weeks, the morning-after pill will be less effective. Then it’s safer to have an emergency IUD fitted. This reduces the chance of an unplanned pregnancy.

Do you have a liver or intestinal condition? Or do you take antacids? 

Then ask your doctor which type of emergency contraception is best for you.  

Allergies

If you are allergic to anything in the morning-after pill, you shouldn’t take it. Read more about this in the instruction leaflet or ask your pharmacist. They can provide more information about how certain medicines may reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill. 

What is the emergency IUD?

An emergency IUD is a copper IUD that’s inserted in your uterus and prevents pregnancy. You can have an emergency IUD fitted up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. The copper IUD is even more effective than the morning-after pill in preventing pregnancy. And it can be left in place for 5-10 years, so you’re protected for a long time. 

A copper IUD stops an egg being fertilized. If an egg is still fertilized, then the IUD makes sure it cannot become implanted in the mucous membrane of the uterus.

You can have an emergency IUD fitted by your own doctor or at Fundashon Famia Plania. 

Too late for the morning-after pill or IUD?

Was the unprotected sex longer than 5 days ago? Then a morning-after pill or copper IUD is no longer useful. 

• Wait to see if you are pregnant. Read how to find out if you are pregnant 
• Are you not pregnant? Use contraception from now on, then you won’t have to worry
• Does your contraception often go wrong? Think about another method. Read about your options here
• Are you pregnant? Then you are faced with the choice of whether to continue the pregnancy – discuss this with your doctor. You can also discuss this with healthcare providers at the CSGC.

Potential exposure to STIs?

Get tested for STIs at the CSGC or visit your doctor. If you need the morning-after pill, you didn’t use a condom. Or maybe something went wrong with the condom. So, you may have been infected with an STI. Get yourself tested to know for sure.