Emergency contraception

What are the emergency contraception pills?

Levonorgestrel

This emergency contraceptive pill is a tablet containing progestogen hormone, which is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries.

How do I take it?

You will be given one dose to take. It should be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. 

Ulipristal Acetate

This emergency contraceptive pill is a single tablet containing ulipristal acetate, a progestogen blocker.

How do I take it?

You will be given one tablet to take. It should be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex.

How does the emergency pill work?

The emergency pill aims to delay an egg being released (ovulation). Therefore, it is unlikely to work if you are at a point in your cycle where you have already ovulated.

When will I get my next period?

Your next period may come early or a few days late. If your period is more than 7 days late, you should do a pregnancy test. You can call the clinic for advice.

How effective is the emergency pill?

The emergency pill can fail even if it has been taken correctly. It is more likely to work if taken as soon as possible after sex. The copper coil is ten-times more effective than the emergency pill at preventing pregnancy.

What are the side effects?

There are no serious long or short-term side effects from using the emergency pill. Some women may feel sick, dizzy or tired, or may get headaches, breast tenderness or abdominal pain.

A very small number of women vomit - If you are sick within 3 hours of taking the pill, it might not work, so please come backto clinic (or see your GP or pharmacist) as soon as possible to get another tablet.

Will the emergency pill protect me from pregnancy until my next period?

No, you must use effective contraception (e.g. condoms). If you have further unprotected sex, you can have a repeat emergency pill.

Do I need to see a nurse or doctor after I’ve taken the pill?

Not usually, but do go and see a nurse or doctor if:

• Your next period is more than 7 days late
• You think you may be pregnant
• Your next period is lighter or shorter than your usual period
• You have any sudden or unusual pain in the lower abdomen

Are there any risks if the emergency pill fails?

The emergency pill has not been shown to affect a pregnancy or harm a developing baby. As with any pregnancy, there is a small chance that an ectopic pregnancy may occur. If you think you may be pregnant it is important to seek advice as soon as possible.

How many times can I use the emergency pill?

Emergency pills can be taken more than once in any menstrual cycle. However, this is not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly.

Can I get the emergency pill from anywhere else?

The emergency pill is available from the following places:

• Your GP or Practice Nurse
• Some local pharmacies (free to Rotherham residents)
• Online - if you are under 25 and live in Rotherham, please visit the SH24 website to request it for free.

What is the emergency IUD?

An IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is put into your womb. It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex at any time during the menstrual cycle provided that this is the only unprotected sex that has occurred since your last period. If you have had unprotected sex more than once since your last period, then an IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulation). You can have an emergency coil even if you have taken the emergency pill. 

How effective is the emergency IUD? 

This is the most effective form of emergency contraception with a failure rate of less than 1%. It is 10 times more effective than the emergency pill. Unlike the emergency pill, it will work even if you have ovulated.

Will the emergency IUD protect me from pregnancy until my next period?

Yes, as soon as it has been fitted, you will be protected against pregnancy until the IUD is taken out.

How is the IUD fitted?

The doctor or nurse will examine you internally to check the position and size of your womb before they put in an IUD. The fitting of the IUD takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The procedure can be uncomfortable or painful for some women, therefore you may want to take a paracetamol beforehand. You may experience a period type pain and some light bleeding for a few days after the IUD has been fitted.

Are there any risks if the IUD fails?

The emergency IUD is highly effective (far more than the emergency pill). However, if it does fail and you become pregnant, there is a risk that the IUD can cause miscarriage or that an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tube) may occur. If you think that you are pregnant it is important that you seek advice as soon as possible. 

Do I need to see a nurse or doctor after the IUD has been fitted?

No, but you should do a pregnancy test 3 weeks later to make sure it has worked. You should return at any time if you want to:

• Discuss any issues or concerns
• Arrange the removal of the IUD if this is what you want (or you can keep it in for ongoing contraception).

When can I have the IUD removed?

If you do not want to keep the IUD as your regular method of contraception, it can be removed when you next have a period.