Emergency Contraception
You can take emergency contraception after unprotected sex to avoid getting pregnant. There are two types of emergency contraception:
- The emergency contraceptive pill, also called the morning after pill or plan b. This can refer to two different drugs: Levonorgestrel and Ulipristal.
- The emergency copper coil, also known as an IUD.
Why take Emergency Contraception?
If you have had sex without using any contraception, you might get pregnant. Sometimes you might need to take emergency contraception, even if you are using contraception. You might need to take emergency contraception, if you:
If you don't know whether to take emergency contraception, please get in touch as soon as possible. The sooner you seek help, the more options you have. Whenever you get in touch, we will be happy to help you figure it out. Please remember it is important to seek advice as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
- Have had unprotected sex and are not on contraception
- Know, or are worried, the condom you were using came off or broke
- Have missed, or are late, taking you regular hormonal contraception
- Are taking drugs that might have lessened the effect of your hormonal contraception
- Have had vomiting / diarrhoea that may have made your hormonal contraception less effective
If you don't know whether to take emergency contraception, please get in touch as soon as possible. The sooner you seek help, the more options you have. Whenever you get in touch, we will be happy to help you figure it out. Please remember it is important to seek advice as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
When can I take Emergency Contraception?
How long you have to use emergency contraception depends on which type you use. You can:
The sooner you take emergency contraception the better.
- Take Levonorgestrel up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex.
- Take Ulipristal up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex.
- Have a copper coil fitted up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex.
The sooner you take emergency contraception the better.
Where can I get Emergency Contraception?
We can offer all three types of emergency contraception. Please get in touch or come to one of our walk-in sessions.
You can also get the emergency pill at local pharmacies. Some pharmacies offer this without a prescription. You can find your nearest on the NHS website.
If you would rather, you can go to your GP practice. They may be able to give you an emergency appointment. Not all GP practices will offer emergency coil fitting.
You can also get the emergency pill at local pharmacies. Some pharmacies offer this without a prescription. You can find your nearest on the NHS website.
If you would rather, you can go to your GP practice. They may be able to give you an emergency appointment. Not all GP practices will offer emergency coil fitting.
Comparing Emergency Contraception
Value |
LEVONORGESTREL |
ULIPRISTAL |
COPPER COIL |
How soon do I need to take it? |
<72 Hours |
<120 Hours |
<120 Hours |
How effective is it? |
95% * |
98% |
99% |
Does it give me ongoing contraception? |
✘ |
✘ |
✔ |
Can I keep breastfeeding? |
✔ |
✘ |
✔ |
Does it affect other contraception? |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Does it harm a foetus? |
✘ |
✘ |
✔ |
* If taken within 24 hours
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill Explained
The emergency contraceptive pill is one of two drugs: Levonorgestrel and Ulipristal.
These drugs work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. This prevents pregnancy.
Who can take it?
Most people can use this type of contraception. It doesn't matter what type of contraception you are already taking.
There are a few people who may not be able to take these drugs. The clinician prescribing them will make sure it is safe for you to have.
If you are breastfeeding, you should not take Ulipristal. If you do, you should express and throw away your milk for week after taking it.
The Pros
Both Ulipristal and Levonorgestrel are effective methods of emergency contraception.
There is no evidence that they damage the foetus, if you are already pregnant.
You can take them if you have had unprotected sex more than once recently. Emergency contraception doesn't work as well as other contraception.
If you find that you need it often, we suggest thinking about other methods. If you're not sure which would be best, get in touch. Our team will be happy to talk to you about your options.
Levonorgestrel also has the advantage that you can keep breastfeeding after taking it. The baby may get a small amount of the drug, but it isn't harmful.
The Cons
There are some side effects of these drugs. Common side effects include:
There are also some less common side effects, including:
Vomiting after taking the pill might make them less effective. You should seek medical advice, if you vomit within:
Taking Ulipristal can other hormonal contraception less effective for five days afterwards.
Neither drug provides ongoing contraception.
No kind of emergency contraception provides protection against STIs.
These drugs work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. This prevents pregnancy.
Who can take it?
Most people can use this type of contraception. It doesn't matter what type of contraception you are already taking.
There are a few people who may not be able to take these drugs. The clinician prescribing them will make sure it is safe for you to have.
If you are breastfeeding, you should not take Ulipristal. If you do, you should express and throw away your milk for week after taking it.
The Pros
Both Ulipristal and Levonorgestrel are effective methods of emergency contraception.
There is no evidence that they damage the foetus, if you are already pregnant.
You can take them if you have had unprotected sex more than once recently. Emergency contraception doesn't work as well as other contraception.
If you find that you need it often, we suggest thinking about other methods. If you're not sure which would be best, get in touch. Our team will be happy to talk to you about your options.
Levonorgestrel also has the advantage that you can keep breastfeeding after taking it. The baby may get a small amount of the drug, but it isn't harmful.
The Cons
There are some side effects of these drugs. Common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Irregular menstrual bleeding (spotting / heavy bleeding before your period)
- Nausea
There are also some less common side effects, including:
- Tender breasts
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Vomiting after taking the pill might make them less effective. You should seek medical advice, if you vomit within:
- Two hours of taking Levonorgestrel
- Three hours of taking Ulipristal
Taking Ulipristal can other hormonal contraception less effective for five days afterwards.
Neither drug provides ongoing contraception.
No kind of emergency contraception provides protection against STIs.
The Copper Coil Explained
The copper coil (or IUD) is a T-shaped device with copper threads around it. This goes inside your uterus. Copper is poisonous to sperm and eggs. If you already have a fertilised egg, the IUD will stop it implanting.
This prevents pregnancy.
Who can have it?
Most people who aren't on contraception can use an IUD as emergency contraception.
There are a few people who may not be able to have an IUD. The clinician inserting it will make sure it is safe for you to have.
The Pros
An IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
You can carry on breastfeeding if you have had an IUD fitted.
An IUD is not just emergency contraception. If you have it fitted, you can leave it in place. It will give you ongoing contraception. If you would prefer, you can have it removed after your next period.
The Cons
You may experience heavier periods whilst you have an IUD.
There are also some rare risks related to having an IUD fitted. This includes soreness, infection, expulsion, and damage to your uterus.
No kind of emergency contraception provides protection against STIs.
Find out more on our Coils page.
This prevents pregnancy.
Who can have it?
Most people who aren't on contraception can use an IUD as emergency contraception.
There are a few people who may not be able to have an IUD. The clinician inserting it will make sure it is safe for you to have.
The Pros
An IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
You can carry on breastfeeding if you have had an IUD fitted.
An IUD is not just emergency contraception. If you have it fitted, you can leave it in place. It will give you ongoing contraception. If you would prefer, you can have it removed after your next period.
The Cons
You may experience heavier periods whilst you have an IUD.
There are also some rare risks related to having an IUD fitted. This includes soreness, infection, expulsion, and damage to your uterus.
No kind of emergency contraception provides protection against STIs.
Find out more on our Coils page.