Emergency Contraception

Did you know……?

• The Copper IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated, for it to be effective
• The emergency contraceptive pill has to be taken within 72 hours (Levonelle/ Upsotelle) or 120 hours (ellaOne) of unprotected sex for it to be effective- the sooner you take it the more effective it’ll be.
• Taking the emergency contraceptive pills can give you a headache or tummy pain and make you feel sick or be sick.
• If you are sick (vomit) within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne you will need to take another dose or have an IUD fitted if appropriate.
• If you opt to have an IUD as emergency contraception it may then be used as your regular contraceptive method
• Emergency contraception works by delaying ovulation – it does not cause an abortion.
• If needed you can take emergency contraception more than once and does not affect fertility
• If you are over 16 you may buy emergency contraception from most pharmacies (chemist) the cost varies-or it is available free for those aged under 21.
• If you are under 16 contraception services are free and confidential. The Doctors and Nurses won’t tell your parents or carer if they believe you fully understand the information being given and the decisions you are making. They will encourage you to consider telling your parents but won’t make you.
• The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you are at risk of harm. They will try to always discuss this with you first.