Emergency contraception (EC) helps prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are two different types, the accessibility of which has greatly improved in recent years, and particularly in 2023. A quick reminder is in order.
- Emergency contraception (“morning after pill”) is available in pharmacies, without a prescription and is 100% covered by health insurance.
- Condoms are 100% covered and without a prescription for those under 26. Beyond this age, coverage is 60% but a prescription is required. They protect against STIs.
- The copper IUD is available in pharmacies on medical prescription and must be inserted by a healthcare professional. It is 65% covered by Health Insurance.
Taking advantage of World Emergency Contraception Day on September 26, the Ministry of Health reminds us about the social networks the progress of this year 2023.
Remember that emergency contraception refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy after unprotected or poorly protected sexual intercourse. It constitutes a sort of “catch-up” method.
2 types of effective emergency contraception
There are different types of emergency contraception which are clearly explained on the site Sexuality Questions and on that of Health Insurance (Ameli).
In fact, there are two of them: the hormonal emergency pill (more commonly called the “morning after pill” or “emergency pill”) and the intrauterine device (or IUD, better known as the IUD). ) based on copper.
The “morning after pill” comes in the form of a single tablet to be taken as soon as possible after intercourse (preferably within 12 hours) and up to three days (72 hours) for those containing levonorgestrel, or five days after this for that based onulliprastal.
The copper “IUD” can be installed (by a professional) up to five days after intercourse. It has a spermicidal effect (makes sperm inactive) and also prevents a fertilized egg from attaching in the uterus.
But let’s keep in mind that hormonal emergency contraception is not 100% effective (95% of pregnancies would thus be avoided according to theWHO) and must remain exceptional because it risks disrupting the female cycle. The best is to use regular contraception accompanied by good medical monitoring.
And on the financial side, greatly improved support
The evolution of care and therefore accessibility to emergency contraception has been gradual.
Currently, the copper IUD is available in pharmacies on medical prescription for a cost of around 30 euros. It is 65% covered by Health Insurance. Note that the IUD can be fitted (always by a health professional) even if the woman has never had a child, contrary to popular belief.
And since January 1, 2023:
-Emergency contraception is available in pharmacies without a prescription and 100% covered by Health Insurance without advance payment, for all women of childbearing age (young girls who are minors can request the secret of deliverance of the medicine).
-Condoms (certain brands but not all to date) are also available without a prescription in pharmacies and are 100% covered by Health Insurance for those under 26.
Stay vigilant against sexually transmitted infections
But be careful, taking or implementing emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV (screening for which is also available free of charge and without a laboratory prescription), hepatitis. B, syphilis, HPV (papillomavirus) and several other diseases.
In this respect, let us remember to avoid risky behavior (multiplicity of partners, lack of protection, etc.) and that only condoms protect effectively.