Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy.
Emergency contraception can be in the form of a pill or an intra-uterine device (IUD or the coil) and can be used within 3-5 days of unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception does not cause an abortion.
The emergency contraception pill Levonelle must be taken within 72hrs of unprotected sex or a condom accident. However, if it can be taken within the first 24hrs this is even better.
When should I use it?
- If a condom breaks or slips off and you are not using another method of contraception.
- You forget to take your contraceptive pills and have sex without a condom.
The emergency contraceptive pill: Levonelle
Levonelle should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex. However it is more effective the earlier you take it.
What is it?
Levonelle is one tablet to take within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
Who can use it?
Most women can use Levonelle. However, if you are taking certain prescribed medicines, or complementary medicines you may need an increased dose, we are happy to advise you.
What are the disadvantages?
There are no serious side-effects.
Occasionally you may feel sick, dizzy or tired, or may get headaches, breast tenderness or abdominal pain.
It can disrupt your next period.
A very small number of women vomit. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill you may need another pill, or alternative method so call us or speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
How will it effect my next period?
Your period is likely to come on time or a few days early or late.
You may have some irregular bleeding between taking Levonelle and your next period.
Am I protected against future pregnancies?
Levonelle will not protect you from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again.
But you can take Levonelle as many times as you need to in any menstrual cycle.
Emergency contraception is not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly come and talk to us about using other methods.
Do I need to see a doctor or nurse afterwards?
Not usually, but come and see us if:
- you think you may be pregnant
- your next period is more than seven days late
- your period is shorter or lighter than usual
- you have any sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen.
We advise you to have a check for sexually transmitted infections 2 weeks after a condom splits
Can I continue to use other methods of contraception?
Yes. But remember if you needed emergency contraception because you forgot some of your regular pills or did not use the patch correctly you will need to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for:
- 7 days with the patch or the combined pill
- 2 days with the progestogen-only pill
The emergency contraceptive pill: EllaOne
What is it?
It is one tablet to take within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex.
Who can use Ella one?
Most women can use ellaOne. An emergency IUD may be a preferred option if you have liver disease, severe asthma or take certain prescribed medicines or complementary medicines.
What are the disadvantages?
Occasionally you may feel sick, dizzy or tired, or may get headaches, breast tenderness or abdominal pain.
It can cause painful periods, mood swings and muscle and back pain.
Most side effects go away within a few days.
How will it effect my next period?
Your period may be on time, or a few days earlier or later than expected.
Am I protected against future pregnancies?
EllaOne will not protect you from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again.
EllaOne cannot be used more than once in the same menstrual cycle or in the same cycle as taking Levonelle.
Emergency contraception is not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly come and talk to us about using other methods
Do I need to see a doctor afterwards?
Not usually, but come and see us if:
- you think you may be pregnant
- your next period is more than seven days late
- your period is shorter or lighter than usual
- you have any sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen.
We advise you to have a check for sexually transmitted infections 2 weeks after a condom splits.
Can I continue to use other methods of contraception?
If you forgot your regular pills or did not use the patch, you should take your regular pill again, or apply a new patch within 12 hours of taking ellaOne.
Use condoms as well for
- 14 extra days with the patch and the combined pill
- 9 extra days with the progestogen-only pill
The emergency intrauterine device (IUD or the coil).
The IUD can be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex. It is fitted by a specially trained nurse or doctor. If the IUD cannot be fitted immediately we may advise you to take the emergency pill in the meantime.
Call us and we can organize an appointment for you.
What is it?
An IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is put into your womb (uterus). This is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy. It will stop about 99% of pregnancies if fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex. It can only be fitted at certain sexual health clinics so it not as easy to get as the pill.
Who can use the IUD?
Most women can have an IIUD fitted as emergency contraception.
What are the disadvantages?
Some women may get a period-type pain and some light bleeding for a few days after the IUD is fitted. Pain relief can help. There is a very small chance of getting an infection during the first 20 days after it is fitted. If you already have an infection you may be given antibiotics. It is not common but the IUD can be pushed out or it can move. There is also a very small risk that it might go through your uterus.
How will it effect my next period?
Your next period should come at about the same time as you would normally expect it.
Am I protected against future pregnancies?
Yes. You can continue to use the IUD as your long-term contraceptive method.
Do I need to see a doctor afterwards?
You should see a doctor or nurse 3–4 weeks after the IUD is fitted. This is to:
- check you are not pregnant
- discuss your future contraceptive needs
- remove the IUD if this is what you want
- have a sexual health check up.
The emergency IUD can be removed during your next period.
Can I continue to use other methods of contraception?
Talk to us if you would like to go back to using your usual contraception and we will arrange this with you.
Where do I get emergency contraception from?
Ask Open Doors about getting free emergency pills in advance, just in case you need it. We will give it to you in our clinics or at your place of work.
You can also get the emergency pill and the emergency coil free from:
- Sexual Health clinics
- Family Planning Clinics
- Some GP surgeries
- Young peoples clinics
You can get the emergency pill free from:
- most NHS walk-in centres
- Most pharmacies
- most NHS minor injuries units
- Hospital accident and emergency departments (phone first to check)
You can buy the emergency pill from:
- most pharmacies
- some privately run clinics.
The price will vary but at the pharmacy it will cost around £28.00