What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. Unprotected sex is sex without contraception, or sex when contraception may have failed (condom breaks or missed pills/injections).
There are 2 types of emergency contraception:
- A copper IUD (intrauterine device) also known as the copper coil
- The emergency contraception pill (sometimes referred to as the morning after pill or plan B)
Copper IUD (Copper coil)
The copper IUD is the most effective type of emergency contraception. It is a T-shaped device fitted into the uterus (womb). It can be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex and works by preventing fertilisation by its toxic effect on sperm and egg. If fertilisation has occurred, the copper IUD prevents implantation of the fertilised egg.
It needs to be fitted by a nurse or doctor specifically trained in this procedure and can usually be done at sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries. It can be kept as ongoing contraception for either 5 or 10 years depending on the type fitted. If preferred it can be used as emergency contraception only and removed after your next period.
Emergency contraception pills
The emergency contraception pill works by delaying ovulation for at least 5 days. There are 2 main types:
- Levonorgestrel (brand name Levonelle) which can be taken up to 72 hours (about 3 days) after unprotected sex but is more effective the sooner you take it.
- Ulipristal acetate (brand name EllaOne) which can be taken up to 5 days/120 hours (about 5 days) after unprotected sex.
EllaOne is the more effective of the 2 pills if taken around the time of ovulation.
When to take emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is recommended after unprotected sex at any time in the menstrual cycle although it may not always be possible to have an emergency IUD fitted. There are times in your cycle when you are more likely to become pregnant, but this depends on a number of factors including cycle length and regularity. If you have had unprotected sex and do not wish to get pregnant you should speak to a health care professional who can assess your risk and any requirement for emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception pills can be taken up to 72 or 120 hours after unprotected sex. However, emergency contraception will always be more effective if you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It will not give protection for any further unprotected sex but can be taken more than once in any menstrual cycle. There is no negative effect on a person’s fertility regardless of how many times emergency contraception pills are used.