Emergency contraception

It may be needed after sex without contraception, a broken condom, or when hormonal contraception has been missed or used incorrectly.

Levonorgestrel can be used within three days and ulipristal acetate within five days after sex with a risk of pregnancy. Both should be taken as soon as possible. The pills work by delaying or preventing ovulation and do not end an established pregnancy.

Tell the pharmacy when sex took place, which contraception you use and whether you take other medicines. A copper IUD may also be an option for emergency contraception and is the most effective method. The choice should depend on your circumstances, rather than just which product name you already know.

A copper IUD must be inserted by a healthcare professional within five days after sex. It is the most effective emergency contraceptive method and can be kept for ongoing contraception.

An emergency contraceptive pill does not prevent pregnancy from new sexual intercourse later in the same menstrual cycle.

Take a pregnancy test three weeks after the most recent sexual intercourse with a risk of pregnancy, even if you used emergency contraception or experienced bleeding afterwards.

After taking ulipristal acetate, wait five days before starting or resuming hormonal contraception, because hormones can reduce the effect of emergency contraception. The rules are different after levonorgestrel. Ask for advice specific to your contraceptive method.

You also need to know how long to use condoms or avoid sex after restarting contraception. This varies between contraceptive methods. Having sex again after taking an emergency contraceptive pill may create a new pregnancy risk. Take a pregnancy test three weeks after the last risk event, even if you have had bleeding in the meantime.

If you vomit within three hours of taking an emergency contraceptive pill, you need another dose. Contact a pharmacy for help.