Doubling up on birth control just as effective as emergency pill – doc

USING emergency contraceptive is a way to prevent pregnancy if you had sex without using birth control, if your birth control method failed, if you forgot to take your pill, if the condom broke or came off, if your diaphragm slipped, or if you were raped.

While emergency contraceptives like Postinor 2 and Pregnon are often sought after, gynaecologist Professor Horace Fletcher says the older types of oral contraceptives such as Perle, Ovral and Femenal, if doubled up, are just as effective.

“Any older type contraceptive that has 50mg [dosage] when doubled up can be just as effective as emergency contraceptive,” Fletcher said.

He says the woman should take two pills after having sexual intercourse and two twelve hours later.

“It works just as well as Postinor,” he says.

However, he warns that the new low-dose contraceptive pills will not be as effective and persons may have to use up to four. However, he strongly warns against this practice as the effectiveness is uncertain. Using emergency contraception right away can prevent an unwanted pregnancy and keep you from worrying while you wait for your next period to start. You should note, though, that emergency contraceptives should never be used as a replacement for a regular contraceptive method.

– Donna Hussey-Whyte