What is emergency contraception?
- It is a way of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex (sex without using contraception or when contraception has failed).
- There are 2 types of emergency contraception, emergency pills and the IUD (coil).
- If you get it in time, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy, however it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
If you have had unprotected sex it is important to make an appointment at your nearest Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, Family planning clinic or doctor. They will give you a sexual health screen to check you have not picked up any infections. You can find details of your nearest clinic in the website directory.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
You can get emergency contraception free from:
- any GP who provides contraceptive services
- any family planning clinic
- any young person's clinic
- most sexual health clinics
- most GUM clinics
- some hospital accident and emergency departments (phone first to check this service is available)
- Some chemists.
You can buy emergency contraception from:
- Most pharmacies. Only some pharmacies provide emergency contraception if you are under 16 years old.
Any advice and treatment you receive is confidential.
1. Emergency pills
What's involved?
- The emergency pills need to be taken within three days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex.
Emergency pills should not be used as a regular method of contraception as they are not nearly as effective as other methods.
How do I take them?
There are 2 emergency pills in a packet. The two pills should be taken together, at the same time, and as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
How effective are emergency pills?
Emergency pills are more effective the sooner you take them after unprotected sex.
- If the emergency pills are taken within 24 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse, they will stop more than 9 out of 10 (95%) pregnancies expected to occur if no emergency contraception had been used.
- If they are taken 72 hours after unprotected sex they will prevent more than 5 out of 10 (58%) pregnancies expected to occur if no emergency contraception had been used.
What are the disadvantages of the emergency pill?
There are no serious short or long-term effects from taking emergency pills. Some women may feel sick or have headaches, dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness and abdominal pain. Your next period may not come at the usual time.
If you have any concerns or wish more information on the Emergency Pill speak to your GP or staff at a GUM or Family Planning Clinic. If you think you may be pregnant contact your GP or staff at a clinic immediately for advice.
2. The Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
What's involved?
A specially trained doctor or a nurse can fit an IUD in your womb up to five days (120 hours) after you have had unprotected sex. This must be left in place till after your next period. It can also be used as a regular contraceptive device thereafter and can be left in place for the next five years.
If you have put yourself at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection screening tests will be done and antibiotics may be necessary.
How effective is a copper IUD?
The IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception. It prevents more than 9 out of 10 (99%) pregnancies which would occur if no emergency contraception had been used.
What are the disadvantages of using an IUD for emergency contraception?
- It might be uncomfortable having the coil fitted.
- There is a small chance of you getting an infection in your womb within three weeks of having the IUD fitted.
- There is a small chance an IUD might go through (perforate) your womb or cervix when it is put in.
Do I need to see a doctor or nurse after the IUD is fitted?
- It is essential that you see a doctor or nurse three to four weeks after the IUD is fitted, whether or not you have had a period. They will discuss any concerns you may have, check you are not pregnant, and that the IUD is still in the correct place.
- If you do not want to use the IUD as your regular method of contraceptive, it can be taken out as soon as you are sure you are not pregnant. This is usually during your next period).
- Unless you have started using a regular hormonal method of contraception (such as the contraceptive pill) you will need to use an extra contraception such as condoms, for seven days before the IUD is taken out.
If you have any concerns or wish more information on the IUD speak to your GP or staff at a GUM or Family Planning Clinic. If you think you may be pregnant contact your GP or staff at a clinic immediately for advice. You will find more detailed information on Emergency Contraception at the link below.
Links
Family Planning Association: www.fpa.org.uk
