Emergency Contraception is available for people who have had unprotected Intercourse (for example, not used any contraception or if your condom burst).

Emergency contraception is designed to prevent Pregnancy. If you are accessing emergency contraception provided it is less than 72 hours since the unprotected intercourse, you could have a “morning after pill”  (Levonelle 1500).

This delays you releasing an egg and it may help prevent pregnancy. If it is more than 72 hours since the unprotected intercourse, but less than 120 hours, you may be offered a coil (copper IUD). This coil can be fitted as an emergency.  The copper will be toxic to the Sperm and this is a very effective method of preventing pregnancy. The coil should remain in until your next Period.  At this point, it can either be taken out, or if you are happy it could be left in as a long term method of contraception. If you haven’t had a period within 3 weeks of having a coil fitted or the morning after pill, it is worth doing a pregnancy test. Ideally, we would like to see you in the sexual health service to discuss ongoing contraception. If you are Pregnant and have used emergency contraception, it is important that you make contact with a doctor or sexual health clinic so that we can check if everything is alright, and make a plan for the pregnancy. If you do become pregnant and have taken emergency contraception, there is no evidence emergency contraception effects a developing pregnancy.