Everything You Need To Know About Emergency Contraception

Condom came off or never quite made it on? Don't panic!

What is emergency contraception?

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Most commonly known as the morning-after pill, emergency contraception (EC) is a way of preventing pregnancy after you've had unprotected sex.

FYI it doesn't just come as a pill (true story).

What does it come as?

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There are three types of EC available - two come in pill form and the third is the Copper Coil (IUD). The idea of a Copper Coil tends to freak most people out - but in reality it's super safe, super effective and easy to put in.

The type of EC you are given depends on when you had sex, your medical history, what's available at your clinic and what you prefer.

Up to how long after sex can I take it?

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With pills, Levonelle (which contains levonorgestrel) can be taken up to 72 hours after a risk. EllaOne (which contains ulipristal acetate) can be taken up to 120 hours afterwards.

The Copper Coil can be fitted up to 120 hours after sex or anytime before day 19 of your cycle (get yourself one of those period apps stat if you don't already).

How do the pills work?

Via i2.dailyrecord.co.uk

Levonelle and EllaOne work by preventing your body from releasing an egg - which basically means it can't get fertilised and thus preventing a pregnancy - hooray!

What are the side-effects?

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If you vomit within two hours of taking oral EC, you'll need to take it again.

It's likely your period will be irregular after taking it - so if your period doesn't arrive you'll need to do a pregnancy test three weeks after taking it.

And what's this about the Copper Coil?

Via kypf.org.uk

The Copper Coil works by stopping an egg or sperm from surviving in the womb - and if an egg's already been fertilised, it stops it from implanting.

It can then be left in place for up to TEN YEARS as your long-term contraception in the ultimate anti-pregnancy hat trick.

Will EC definitely work?!

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In a word, no. But it's pretty damn effective. Studies show the failure rate for the Copper Coil is less than 1%, making it the most effective EC available.

Oral EC is up to 95% effective. But both Levonelle and EllaOne only work if taken before you release an egg (ovulate). Studies show that EllaOne is able to prevent egg release a little later in your cycle, which is why some studies say it's more baby-proof.

Does EC protect me from future pregnancies?

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The Copper Coil will protect you from future pregnancies for up to ten years after insertion - so us contraceptive bods like this a lot.

Oral EC will NOT protect you from future pregnancies - any further episodes of unprotected sex that happen after you've taken it will need sorting out separately. This might mean taking more than one morning-after pill in a short period of time/during the same period cycle. Your best bet is to start some long-term contraception stat to avoid any future risks.

See here for more info.

What are the other long-term options?

Via someecards.com

EC is good but not having to use it in the first place is even better.

Whilst getting your mitts on EC, take the opportunity to discuss your future contraceptive options.

After taking oral EC, you can start the combined pill, the mini pill, the implant and the contraceptive injection immediately - referred to as 'bridging' methods or 'quick start' contraception. Have a chat with your doc/nurse for more details.

Where can I get hold of it?

Via perpetualkid.com

Oral EC is widely available - for free from your sexual health/family planning clinic and even some pharmacies (though this may sadly depend on your age and postcode).

You can also pay for it at some pharmacies and buy it online from trusted sources such as Superdrug Online. NEVER buy it online from an unrecognised source - ebay may be good for some stuff, but EC isn't one of them (see why here).

You'll need to visit a sexual health/family planning clinic or GP for the Copper Coil - find your nearest one here.

What about STIs?

EC doesn't have STI busting properties sadly - only condoms will protect you from Chlamydia and the gang.

If you have symptoms, don't delay - get a check-up straight away. Otherwise Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea take up to two weeks to show up on tests, HIV and Syphilis 1 month.

See here for more info.