Emergency contraception

About: Emergency contraception can be used if you have had sex without a condom, a condom accident or think your current method has failed such as missing a contraceptive pill.
Methods: There are two methods; and the copper Intrauterine System (IUS/Hormonal coil) and the emergency contraceptive pill (known as the morning after pill). There are also two types of emergency contraceptive pill – Levonelle and ellaOne. The IUD is the most effective.
Comparing: The copper IUD is the best emergency method available. It can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex or after you release an egg (your doctor or nurse can help you calculate this). Levonelle can be taken up to three days after unprotected sex and ellaOne up to five days.
Effectiveness: The IUD is 99.9% effective and the contraceptive pill can be up to 95% effective if taken in the first 24 hours - the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. However, emergency contraception should not be relied up as pregnancies can still happen.
More about Emergency contraception

About emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be used if you have had sex without a condom or you think your method of contraception might have failed (e.g. missed some contraceptive pills or had a condom accident). It should not be used instead of your normal method of contraception.

Methods of emergency contraception

There are two methods of emergency contraception:

  • The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a plastic and copper t-shaped device (also known as ‘the coil’). It is the most effective type of emergency contraception. You can also keep the IUD in long term as your regular method of contraception, preventing you from future pregnancy risk
  • The emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill). There are two types, called Levonelle and ellaOne

There are no serious side effects of using emergency contraception. And, if you have recently had a baby, you don’t need to use emergency contraception for the first 21 days after giving birth.

We recommend having a pregnancy test three weeks after taking the pill or having the IUD fitted (provided you haven’t had any more pregnancy risks). If this is negative, your emergency contraception has worked.

How do they compare?

The table below shows how the different options of emergency contraception compare, so you can choose the right one for you.

IUD Levonelle ellaOne
How soon it needs to be taken after unprotected sex Up to five days (120 hours) after you ovulate (release an egg). Up to three days (72 hours). Up to five days (120 hours).
How does it work? Making it more difficult for an egg that has joined with a sperm to grow in the womb. Stopping or delaying ovulation (release of an egg). Stopping or delaying ovulation (release of an egg) and by making it more difficult for an egg that has joined with a sperm to grow in the womb.
Where can I get this? Can be fitted at most sexual health and contraception clinics, and GP surgeries. Available in sexual health and contraception clinics, Brook centres, some pharmacies, most NHS walk-in centres and minor injury units (England only), most GP surgeries, and some hospital A&E departments. Available free on prescription from your GP, or sexual health clinic. You can also buy it in some pharmacies if you’re over 18.
How effective is it? 99.9% (very!). Up to 95% effective if taken within the first 24 hours but the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. Up to 95% effective if taken within the first 24 hours but the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. It is more effective than Levonelle.
Can I use this as my regular contraceptive method? Yes. No. No.
Can I breastfeed straight after? Yes. Yes. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding for up to 36 hours afterwards.
Side effects / other considerations You may feel slight discomfort similar to period pain when the IUD is put in. Painkillers can help relieve this. Both of the pills can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, give you a headache, tender breasts, abdominal pain or make your period earlier or later than usual.
If you vomit within two hours of taking Levonelle, or three hours of taking ellaOne, you should seek medical advice.		 Both of the pills can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, give you a headache, tender breasts, abdominal pain or make your period earlier or later than usual.
If you vomit within two hours of taking Levonelle, or three hours of taking ellaOne, you should seek medical advice.

All methods of contraception come with a patient information leaflet, which provides detailed information about the method. If you are worried or unsure about anything at all, contact your sexual health clinic, doctor or practice nurse.

Effectiveness of emergency contraception

The IUD is 99.9% effective and the contraceptive pill can be up to 95% effective if taken in the first 24 hours – the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. However, emergency contraception should not be relied up as pregnancies can still happen.

Useful links

  • The Family Planning Association’s has an excellent Emergency Contraception Guide. This contains lots more information about the different options and frequently asked questions. You can also access this information on their webpage
  • NHS Choices has lots of information about contraception with specific pages on emergency contraception
  • Brook has lots of information and advice on contraception written for people under 25, including emergency contraception
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