Emergency contraception is used to try to stop pregnancy when there has been unprotected sex (no contraception used) or a contraceptive failure (burst condom, missed pills). It is sometimes known as the “morning after pill”. Emergency contraception is provided by all of our clinics, and is free.
Your doctor or nurse can advise you on which is the best type of emergency contraception for you.
You may be offered a copper intrauterine device (IUD, also known as a copper coil) or a tablet, depending on your situation and your preferences.
It is best to get emergency contraception as soon as possible, so you may prefer to get emergency contraception from:
See the link below for the video transcript.
The copper coil (IUD) is the most effective method of emergency contraception, with a failure rate of less than 1%.
It is a small rubber and copper device that is fitted into the uterus. It can be fitted up to 120 hours after sex (5 days), and up to 5 days after the earliest time you produce an egg. The devices that are used are able to be used for contraception for either 5 or 10 years, so it can be kept for ongoing contraception, but you don’t have to.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Copper IUDs cannot be fitted in all of Unity’s clinics. However, we can refer you into a suitable appointment if it is not provided initially.
If you are referred for a copper IUD, you should be offered an oral tablet in case you change your mind or it is not possible to fit the device.
Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) is a tablet that you swallow that you can take for emergency contraception. It is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex, but is best to take it as soon as possible.
It is less effective than the copper IUD in preventing pregnancy. It works by delaying the release of the egg (ovulation) to allow sperm to disappear from the reproductive tract. It may be recommended if you are particularly close to releasing an egg (ovulation) or had sex more than 72 hours (3 days) ago.
Advantages
Disadvantages
It is best to get emergency contraception as soon as possible, so you may prefer to get this type of emergency contraception from:
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle®) is a tablet that you swallow that you can take for emergency contraception. It is effective for up to 96 hours (4 days) after sex, but is best to take as soon as possible.
It is less effective than the copper IUD in preventing pregnancy. It works by delaying the release of the egg (ovulation) to allow sperm to disappear from the reproductive tract. It is less good at this the closer you are to releasing the egg (ovulation).
Advantages
Disadvantages
It is best to get emergency contraception as soon as possible, so you may prefer to get this type of emergency contraception from: