Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception

How Does Emergency Contraception Work?

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraceptive has failed, emergency contraception can help stop pregnancy within 5 days.

There are two types of emergency contraception: the emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill) and the IUD (copper coil).

The emergency contraceptive pill contains a progestogen hormone called Levonorgestrel and is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it can be used up to 96 hours (4 days) after.

This should not be used as regular contraception.

The IUD must be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse within 5 days of the unprotected sex. After having this inserted, you can leave it and use it as your normal method of contraception. More on the coils here.

Pros

✅ High success rate.
✅ Can be used many times without it being unsafe.
✅ A second chance to stop pregnancy.
✅ Allows you to choose YOUR future.

Cons

❌ It does not protect against STIs
❌ Side effects like headaches, nausea, and tummy pain.
❌ It can give you a heavier and longer bleed temporarily.

⚡ I am not a health professional. I am qualified in RSE but I am not a doctor. Content for this page has been drawn from the NHS website and Brook.org.uk. Please head over to these great sites for more details.

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