Emergency Contraception
If you have had unprotected sex or the condom has broken, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent a pregnancy.
There are two different methods of emergency contraception available:
1) Emergency Contraceptive pill (Levonelle)
Also known as the morning after pill (Levonelle). This must be taken within seventy two hours following unprotected sex. The emergency pill is a tablet containing the hormone progesterone and works by:
- stopping the egg from being released from the ovary
- stopping the sperm from swimming and functioning properly.
It is up to 95% effective if taken within 24 hours. If taken between 25-48 hours it is 85% effective and if taken between 49-72 hours it is 58% effective. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it you should speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. They may give you something to stop you being sick or suggest that you have an emergency coil fitted. Follow-up is not normally necessary unless:
- You think you may be pregnant
- Your next period is more than 7 days late
- Your period is shorter or lighter than usual
- You have any sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen
- You wish to discuss any other sexual health concerns such as STI exposure and/or regular contraception.
2) Emergency Contraception Coil (IUD)
This is a small plastic and copper device that is placed in your uterus by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex (in fact up to day 19 of a regular 28 day menstrual cycle) – this gives you a much longer time to seek help. It will stop about 99% of pregnancies. It works by:
- stopping sperm swimming and functioning properly
- stopping an egg being fertilised or implanted in the womb.
It is recommended you see a doctor 3-4 weeks after you have had the coil fitted to ensure:
- you are not pregnant
- remove the coil, if you wish
- discuss any other sexual health concerns such as STI exposure and/or regular contraception.
Should you have any worries relating to the coil after it is fitted you should return to the Wolverton Centre.
Both of these forms of emergency contraception are available at the Wolverton Centre. If you require the emergency pill or emergency IUD you should attend the clinic at the earliest opportunity. Neither form of emergency contraception provides any protection against STIs. You may want to discuss STI screening as part of your visit.
