Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraception fails.
Emergency contraception is not a form of abortion.
There are two types of emergency:
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Emergency contraceptive pill
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Emergency intrauterine device (IUD)
Emergency Contraceptive Pill
There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pill (also known as the "morning after pill"):
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The emergency contraceptive pill which contains levonorgestrel.
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The emergency contraceptive pill which contains ulipristal acetate.
Ulipristal Acetate Pill
How does it work?
Ulipristal acetate works by preventing the hormone progesterone from working properly.It can also stop or delay ovulation.
This is when an egg is released from the ovaries.
When should it be taken?
The ulipristal acetate pill should be taken within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex. You will only need to take 1 pill.
Who can use it?
Most women can use the ulipristal acetate pill but you should seek advice from your doctor before taking it especially if you have asthma and if you are taking certain medications*.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of the ulipristal acetate pill include:
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It may not work if you vomit within 3 hours of taking it
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It may not work if you continue to have unprotected sex.
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There are also side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, changes to your next period (pain, delay) and abdominal pain.
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Please see your doctor if your side effects are severe or they last longer than a few days.
Levonorgestrel Pill
How does it work?
Levonorgestrel is similar to the hormone progesterone.
It works by stopping or delaying ovulation.
This is when an egg is released from the ovaries.
How often do you have to take it?
The levonorgestrel pill should be be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. You will only need to take 1 pill.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of the levonorgestrel pill include:
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It may not work if you vomit within 3 hours of taking it or if you continue to have unprotected sex.
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There are also side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, changes to your next period (pain, delay) and abdominal pain.
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Please see your doctor if your side effects are severe or they last longer than a few days.
Who can use it?
Most women can use the levonorgestrel pill but you should seek advice from your doctor before taking it especially if you have a high or low BMI and if you are taking certain medications*.
*This is not an extensive list. Please see your doctor for further advice.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The emergency IUD should be inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex.
It is the same as the contraceptive IUD ("copper coil").
Click here for more information about the IUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is emergency contraception effective?
Both forms of emergency contraception are effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner they are used.
The IUD is more effective than the emergency contraceptive pill.
The ulipristal pill is more effective than the levonorgestrel pill.
What if the emergency contraception does not work?
If you think that the emergency contraception has not worked, you should take a pregnancy test around 3 weeks after having unprotected sex.
Can emergency contraception be used regularly?
The IUD can be used as your usual method of contraception.
The emergency contraceptive pill should not be used as your regular method of contraception but the same form of emergency contraceptive pill can be taken more than once during your menstrual cycle if necessary.
Please seek medical advice before doing so.
Where can you get emergency contraception?
You can get emergency contraception from your doctor, a pharmacy, sexual health clinics etc.
Sources and Useful links
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-emergency-contraception/
https://sh24.org.uk/contraception/ec
https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/emergency-contraception/