Emergency contraception
What is emergency contraception?
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Emergency contraception is not a regular method of contraception.
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These methods can be used after unprotected sex or if your normal method of contraception fails.
What are the different types of emergency contraception?
There are two main types of emergency contraception:
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The emergency contraceptive pill
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The copper coil (IUD)
The emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)
How it works
An emergency pill typically contains hormones that are similar to oral contraceptives, but are much higher dose. It works mainly by stopping or delaying the ovaries from releasing an egg.
When it can be used
The morning after pill can only be taken if you haven’t already ovulated. All morning after pills work by delaying ovulation, so if you have ovulated in the last 24 hours then it won't be effective.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 12-24 hours after unprotected sex.
Types
There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pill both of which can be purchased direct from a pharmacy without a prescription.
THE 3-DAY PILL
The 3-day emergency contraceptive pill contains the hormone progestogen. It works by preventing or delaying your body from ovulating or releasing an egg, thereby preventing an egg and sperm fertilising.
It should be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It is important to remember that the sooner you take it the better it will work.
THE 5-DAY PILL
The 5-day emergency contraceptive pill contains ulipristal. It works by preventing or delaying your body from ovulating or releasing an egg, thereby preventing an egg and sperm fertilising.
It should be taken as soon as possible and within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. It is important to remember that the sooner you take it the better it will work.
The IUD (copper coil)
Another method of emergency contraception is the IUD (copper coil). In order for the copper IUD to work as emergency contraception, a doctor or nurse must put it in within 5 days after you have unprotected sex. You can then keep wearing it for up to 5 to 10 years to prevent unintended pregnancy or have it removed. The copper coil is the only emergency contraceptive that can still be effective if you have ovulated.
How effective is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 12-24 hours after unprotected sex. For the best chance for it to work, you should take the emergency pill as soon as possible. Efficacy changes over time: while it’s 95% effective within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, that number drops to 58% when the pill is taken within 49-72 hours.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0109 September 2023
