Emergency Contraception / Morning after pill

 

If you have had unprotected sex, and do not want to be pregnant, there are two methods of contraception that you can use:

Method 1: The emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill)

What is it?

This is a tablet containing progesterone. You will be given one pill to take and it should be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.

How does it work?

It stops an egg being released from the ovary (ovulation) and may also stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb

How effective is it?

The chances of the emergency pill preventing a pregnancy are:

  • Up to 95% if taken within 24 hours
  • Up to 85% if taken between 25-48 hours
  • Up to 58% if taken between 49 - 72 hours
  • If taken after 72 hours, it is unknown how effective it will be.

What are the side effects?

There are no serious side effects from taking th emergency pill but some women feel sick or dizzy or may get a headache after taking it. It can also disrupt your periods.

If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, you may have to take another one or you could have an emergency coil fitted (see Method 2)

You may become pregnant if you:

  • delay taking the emergency pill
  • vomit within two hours of taking the pill
  • have had unprotected sex at another time since your last period or since taking the emergency pill

Where can I get the emergency pill from?

  • Claude Nicol clinic
  • Family planning clinic
  • Your local GP
  • Pharmacies
  • A&E

Method 2: The Copper IUD (coil)

What is it?

This is a small plastic and copper device that is iinserted into your womb by atrained doctor or nurse. It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

 If you have had unprotected sex more than once since your last period (i.e there is a chance that you might already be pregnant), you can have an IUD fitted up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulated).

How does it work?

It may stop an egg being fertilised or implanting in your womb

How effective is it?

It is the most effective method of emergency contraception and prevents 99% of pregnancies.

Are there any disadvantages?

  • It's not as easily available as the pill
  • Women who have certain problems with their womb or cervix may not be able to have a coil
  • There is a small chance of getting an infection within the first 20 days after it is put in. The doctor or nurse may recommend having a screen for sexually transmitted infections at the same time to reduce the chance of pelvic infection
  • An IUD can go through the womb (perforate) when it is inserted but this is very rare.

When can I have it removed?

If you don't want to keep it in as your regular contraception, it can be removed during your next period.

Where can I get an emergency coil inserted?

  • At your local family planning clinic
  • Some GP practices

How do I find out more about contraception services?

Remember...

Most methods of contraception do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms do protect you and you can pick these up free of charge at your local GUM clinic.