Emergency Contraception
If you have had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant, or your contraception has failed, there are two main types of emergency contraception available.
The Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUD) or Coil
This is the best option and is over 99% effective. It can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse or within five days of the earliest time you could have released an egg. It can also provide you with on-going contraception (if you wish).
Hormonal / Emergency Pill (‘Morning after pill’)
There are two types of emergency hormonal contraception:-
Ella One which is taken as a single tablet. It can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse (120 hours)
Levonelle which is taken as a single tablet. It is licensed to be given up to 3 days after unprotected intercourse (72 hours).
The sooner you take Levonelle or ellaOne, the more effective it will be.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill FREE from:
Your GP
Some GPs and Sexual Health clinics will offer ‘coils’ for emergency contraception.
Most pharmacies (only if you are aged 13 or over)
More information on Emergency Contraception
If you act quickly, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy but it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections
