Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner you access it after unprotected sex.

There are 3 options for emergency contraception: what are the differences?

Emergency Copper Coil (IUD)

The most effective emergency contraception method

The copper coil is a flexible T-shaped device made of plastic and copper.

It can be placed in the womb by a doctor or nurse up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex (or up to 5 days after the earliest estimated date of ovulation). When in my cycle is emergency contraception effective?

Inserting the IUD takes 10-15 minutes.

The copper IUD can be kept in until your next period or used for ongoing contraception for up to 10 years if it suits.

Removing the IUD is usually very simple.

How effective is the IUD as emergency contraception?

The IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception - fewer than one in a thousand will become pregnant

Where can I get the copper IUD?

  • Sexual health clinics
  • Some GP Surgeries
  • Young peoples clinics e.g. Brook

Find an NHS sexual health clinic - contraception is free in the UK National Health Service

Ask for an emergency appointment for an IUD fitting

Positives

  • The copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception method, more than 99%effective
  • Can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex or up to 5 days after ovulation
  • The only method which can be effective after ovulation
  • Does not contain hormones
  • Can be used at any age
  • Can be used by someone who has never been pregnant
  • Can be kept in as ongoing contraception

Negatives

  • Requires a clinic visit
  • Requires an internal examination
  • Can be painful to fit
  • No protection against STIs
  • Not recommended within 28 days of giving birth

How does it feel to have an IUD fitted?

Everyone is different, but it is common to experience:

  • Pain when the IUD is being fitted
  • Stomach cramps for a few days after fitting
  • Spotting/bleeding - seek advice if this persists
  • Occasional cramps for a few months
  • Periods which are longer and heavier than on hormonal contraception
  • More period pain than on hormonal contraception

Ask what the clinic offers as pain relief

You can take anti-inflammatory painkillers before insertion and for a few hours afterwards

If you are anxious about being examined, ask to discuss this with the doctor or nurse beforehand

Many people find the procedure more straightforward than they imagined

What's involved in IUD or IUS fitting?

Copper IUD for ongoing contraception:

The IUD is convenient and very reliable.

It lasts 5 to 10 years, but can be taken out at any time.

The IUD does not cause infertility

Fertility returns to normal immediately after having the IUD taken out. 

You can't feel the IUD during penetrative sex.

If a partner can feel the threads, they can be trimmed so they are shorter.

The IUD is very discrete.

The pattern of periods is not affected by the IUD.

If periods are heavy or painful, this can be treated by medication

The IUD can come out (especially in the first three months - 1 in 20 chance)

What's right for you?

Good to know

The IUD has no hormones and is very reliable.

The IUD can be painful to put in, but pain relief such as gas and air can help.

The IUD lasts for up to 5 to 10 years (depending on the type) if you want to keep it in. 

The IUD is usually easy to remove.

IUD fitting - what's involved?

How much effort is the IUD?

The IUD is put in by a doctor or nurse. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to put in.

The fitting can be painful, and it’s common to have some pain and bleeding for a few days and occasional cramping for a few months.

It's important to make sure a that there is no possibility of pregnancy before it's put in. A doctor or nurse will check this.

 Check where to get an IUD

How effective is the IUD?

The IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception - fewer than one in a thousand people who use it as emergency contraception will become pregnant.

How does it work?

The IUD is made of plastic and copper. The copper stops the sperm and egg from surviving inside the womb and fallopian tubes, so sperm cannot fertilise an egg. 

How the body works

When the IUD is removed, you can get pregnant with no delay. 

The IUD itself can't be felt by the user or partners because it lies right inside the womb.

Two nylon threads sit in the cervix (high up inside the vagina), and partners can occasionally feel the threads but not the IUD itself.

Periods may be heavier, longer and more painful than with hormonal methods. This can be helped with medication taken during periods.

Emergency pills and the copper IUD - What are the differences?



Copper Coil

Timing

Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Clinic visit necessary

5 day emergency pill

Timing

Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

98-99% effective at preventing pregnancy

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Buy from a pharmacy or online

3 day emergency pill

Timing

Effective up to 3 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

97-98% effective at preventing pregnancy - earlier the better

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Buy from a pharmacy or online

5 day pill

5 day emergency pill

This method of emergency contraception is one tablet that contains ulipristal acetate. 

The tablet should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but can be used up to 5 days (120 hours) afterwards.

The tablet works by delaying ovulation - delaying the release of an egg so that it can't be fertilised.

When in my cycle is emergency contraception effective?

How effective is the 5 day pill as emergency contraception?

The 5 day emergency pill is very good at preventing pregnancy, but 1-2% of users will still become pregnant. This is because the pill cannot prevent ovulation if it has already happened. The Emergency Copper Coil (IUD) is the only method that can be effective after ovulation has happened.

Where can I get the emergency pill?

  • Sexual health clinics
  • GP Surgeries
  • Young peoples clinics e.g. Brook
  • Pharmacies
  • Online

Find an NHS sexual health clinic - contraception is free from the UK National Health Service, but in pharmacies and online you may have to pay.

Positives

  • Easy to take - one tablet only
  • Good at preventing pregnancy - 98 to 99% effective
  • Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex
  • Safe and convenient
  • No effect on future fertility
  • Available without a prescription
  • Can be obtained 'just in case'

Negatives

  • May cause some vaginal spotting/bleeding

  • The next period might be on time, or it might come early or late

  • Does not prevent pregnancy if ovulation has already happened (in the second half of the cycle)

  • Less effective if you have recently taken any hormonal contraception

  • Need to wait 5 days before restarting a hormonal contraceptive method

  • Not suitable for people with asthma controlled with steroid tablets

How does the 5 day pill work?

Ulipristal acetate works by delaying ovulation for at least 5 days. Sperm can be active for five days (or more). If the ovaries release an egg once sperm are no longer active, there will be no pregnancy.

How will I feel?

1 in 10 people experience some side effects after taking the 5 day emergency pill including

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Irregular bleeding until the next period, the next period may come earlier or later than expected

There are no serious side effects.

How effective is 5 day emergency contraception?

  • 1-2% of people who take ulipristal acetate after unprotected sex will become pregnant
  • The effectiveness will depend upon the timing in the cycle - it can't delay ovulation if it has already happened. The only method that can be effective after ovulation is the Emergency Copper Coil (IUD).
  • It is worth taking the 5 day pill even if you think you have already ovulated, since ovulation can be difficult to predict

See How the body works

Good to know

The 5 day pill (ulipristal acetate) is not an abortion pill, and there is no risk that it will harm an existing pregnancy

There is no risk to future fertility.

Emergency contraception can be used repeatedly if necesary:

  • It can be taken again if there is more unprotected sex in the same cycle
  • There is no harm to the body in taking it repeatedly
  • There is a small chance of pregnancy every time though, and a more reliable method is recommended - see What's right for me?

The 5 day pill is free from NHS services (e.g. your GP or Sexual Health Clinic) in the UK, and available to buy without a prescription in pharmacies and online.

You can obtain emergency contraception tablets in advance, to allow you to take it sooner after any unprotected sex.

You do not need to avoid alcohol.

If you are sick within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you will need to take another one.

You should wait at least 5 days after taking Ulipristal emergency contraception before starting or restarting a hormonal method of contraception, so that both methods can work properly.

If you have recently given birth, you can use the 5 day pill from 21 days after birth.

If you are breastfeeding, do not breastfeed for one week after taking Ulipristal acetate - express the milk to maintain the flow, but discard it.

Emergency pills and the copper IUD - What are the differences?



Copper Coil

Timing

Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Clinic visit necessary

5 day emergency pill

Timing

Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

98-99% effective at preventing pregnancy

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Buy from a pharmacy or online

3 day emergency pill

Timing

Effective up to 3 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

97-98% effective at preventing pregnancy - earlier the better

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Buy from a pharmacy or online

3 day pill

3 day emergency pill

This method of emergency contraception is one tablet that contains levonorgestrel. 

The tablet should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but can be used within 3 days (72 hours).

The 3 day pill is more effective the sooner it is taken.

The tablet works by delaying ovulation - delaying the relase of an egg so that it can't be fertilised.

When in my cycle is emergency contraception effective?

How effective is the 3 day pill as emergency contraception?

The 3 day emergency pill is very good at preventing pregnancy, but 1-3% of users will still become pregnant. This is because the pill cannot prevent ovulation if it has already happened. 

Where can I get the emergency pill?

  • Sexual health clinics
  • GP Surgeries
  • Young peoples clinics e.g. Brook
  • Pharmacies
  • Online

Find an NHS sexual health clinic - contraception is free from the UK National Health Service, but in pharmacies and online you may have to pay.

Positives

  • Easy to take - one tablet only
  • Good at preventing pregnancy - 97 to 99% effective
  • Effective up to 3 days after unprotected sex
  • Safe and convenient
  • No need to wait to start or restart hormonal contraception methods
  • No effect on future fertility
  • Available without a prescription
  • Can be obtained 'just in case'

Negatives

  • May cause some vaginal spotting/bleeding

  • The next period might be on time, or it might come early or late

  • Not as effective as the copper IUD or 5 day emergency pill

  • Does not prevent pregnancy if ovulation has already happened (in the second half of the cycle)

  • Less effective if the BMI is over 26 or weight is over 70kg

How does the 3 day pill work?

Levonorgestrel works by delaying ovulation (egg release). Sperm can be active for five days (or more). If the ovaries release an egg once sperm are no longer active, there will be no pregnancy.

How will I feel?

1 in 10 people experience some side effects after taking the 3 day emergency pill including

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Irregular bleeding until the next period, the next period may come earlier or later than expected

There are no serious side effects.

How effective is 3 day emergency contraception?

  • 1-3% of people who take levonorgestrel after unprotected sex will become pregnant
  • The effectiveness will depend upon the timing in the cycle - it can't delay ovulation if it has already happened. The only method that can be effective after ovulation is the Emergency Copper Coil (IUD).
  • It is worth taking the 3 day pill even if you think you have already ovulated, since ovulation can be difficult to predict

See How the body works

Good to know

The 3 day pill (levonorgestrel) is not an abortion pill, and there is no risk that it will harm an existing pregnancy

There is no risk to future fertility.

Emergency contraception can be used repeatedly if necessary:

  • It can be taken again if there is more unprotected sex in the same cycle
  • There is no harm to the body in taking it repeatedly
  • There is a small chance of pregnancy every time though, and a more reliable method is recommended - see What's right for me?

The 3 day pill is free from NHS services (e.g. your GP or Sexual Health Clinic) in the UK, and available to buy without a prescription in pharmacies and online.

You can obtain emergency contraception tablets in advance, to allow you to take it sooner after any unprotected sex.

You do not need to avoid alcohol.

If you are sick within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you will need to take another one.

You can start or restart a hormonal method of contraception straight away.

If you have recently given birth, you can use the 3 day emergency pill from 21 days after birth.

If you are breastfeeding, do not breastfeed for 8 hours after taking levonorgestrel - express the milk and discard it.

Emergency pills and the copper IUD - What are the differences?



Copper Coil

Timing

Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Clinic visit necessary

5 day emergency pill

Timing

Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

98-99% effective at preventing pregnancy

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Buy from a pharmacy or online

3 day emergency pill

Timing

Effective up to 3 days after unprotected sex OR ovulation

Efficacy

97-98% effective at preventing pregnancy - earlier the better

Avaliability

Free to access form GPs and sexual health clinics

Buy from a pharmacy or online

Emergency Contraception FAQ

How long do I have to get emergency contraception?

All of the emergency contraception options are most effective as soon as possible after unprotected sex

  • The 3 day pill (Levonorgestrel, e.g. Levonelle) can be effective for up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex
  • The 5 day pill (Ulipristal acetate, e.g. EllaOne) can be effective for up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex
  • The Emergency Copper Coil (IUD) can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or 5 days after ovulation (if this can be calculated).

A doctor or nurse will make sure you are not already pregnant.

You can have the Emergency Copper Coil (IUD) even if you have not been pregnant or given birth in the past.

Where can I get emergency contraception?

  • Emergency contraception is free in the UK from family doctors, A&E or a sexual health clinic
  • You can also buy the 5 day pill or the 3 day pill from a pharmacy or online
  • Levonelle is a common brand of 3 day day pill (levonorgestrel), but you can also buy unbranded levonorgestrel which is cheaper and works in the same way
  • A friend, partner, or parent can buy an emergency contraception pill for you, however they must be able to answer the pharmacist questions
  • When you visit a clinic, emergency contraception services are confidential (unless there are serious concerns about your welfare)

How will emergency contraception affect me?

  • Around 1 in 10 people who take an emergency contraception pill notice side effects such as headaches, stomach pain, nausea, changes in mood and irregular bleeding until next period
  • Your next period might be early or late - do a pregnancy test if you have not had a period more than 3 weeks after unprotected sex
  • Emergency contraception pills do not harm the womb – they work by preventing ovulation and will not cause an abortion
  • Emergency contraception will not affect future fertility, even if you take it many times
  • IUD fitting can be painful and there is often cramping and vaginal spotting/bleeding afterwards

Can I take emergency pills more than once?

What about contraception in future?

  • The 5 day pill and the 3 day pill do not protect against later unprotected sex
  • If you missed your regular contraceptive pill, patch or ring;
    • restart hormonal contraception immediately after taking the 3 day pill
    • wait 5 days before restarting regular hormonal contraception after taking the 5 day pill
  • Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs – if you’ve had unprotected sex it is a good idea to have an STI check
  • If you would like ongoing contraception, the emergency copper coil will protect against pregnancy for the next 5 to 10 years until you decide to have it taken out
  • Compare the effectiveness of different methods of regular contraception
  • Which contraception is right for me?

What will I be asked?

Doctors, nurses or pharmacists will need to ask some questions to provide the right form of emergency contraception for you. 

  • When was the sex that you are concerned about?
  • When was the first day of your last period?
  • Do you have regular periods?
  • How old are you?
  • How tall are you and how much do you weigh?
  • Are you taking any medication?
  • Have you used Emergency Contraception since your last period?
  • Do you have any health conditions or allergies?
  • Are you breastfeeding?

Everything you say is confidential, unless there are serious concerns about your welfare.
You can order emergency contraception pills online if you do not want to visit a pharmacist or clinic (although you will usually need to pay).