Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex.
There are two types (both are for women). The morning after pill can prevent pregnancy if you take it within 35 days. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. An IUD (a coil that goes into the womb) can also be used as emergency contraception. But it must be fitted within five days of unprotected sex.
But emergency contraceptive pills or an IUD will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. If you have had unprotected sex, it’s a good idea to get tested.
What is emergency contraception?
You can take emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or if something has gone wrong with your usual contraception method (for example a condom broke or you forgot to take your contraceptive pill).
You should not use emergency contraception regularly – there are much bettertypes of contraceptionthat are designed for regular use.
The most common type is an emergency contraceptive pill.
You can also use a copperIUDas emergency contraception. This is a tshaped coil that goes into the womb.
How long after unprotected sex can I use emergency contraception?
The emergency contraceptive pill must be taken within 35 days of unprotected sex, depending on the type of pill. The sooner you take it after having unprotected sex the more effective it is.
For the copperIUDto work as emergency contraception it must be fitted within five days of unprotected sex.
Where do I get emergency contraception?
You can buy emergency contraceptive pills from pharmacists. The cost of the morning after pill will depend on where you live. Or you can get them from sexual health clinics and healthcare professionals.
If you decide to use an IUD for emergency contraception it has to be fitted by a trained healthcare professional within five days of unprotected sex.
How does the morning after pill work?
It contains hormones that temporarily stop or delay the release of an egg (ovulation), which prevents pregnancy.
Although they aren&39;t designed as regular birth control, it is safe to use the morning after pill more than once in amenstrual cycleif you need to. But there has to be at least a fiveday gap or both pills might not work.
What do I do if I’ve had unprotected sex?
Get tested for STIs, including HIV – so you can get treatment if you need it. It is also worth thinking about what kind of birth control would be best for you so this doesn’t happen again.
Will emergency contraception harm my chances of having a baby later on?
The morning after pill does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
If you use an IUD as emergency contraception, it will prevent pregnancy for as long as you keep it in (for up to five years).
