Emergency Contraception

It’s unfortunate, but sometimes contraceptive accidents happen and emergency contraception is needed. It could be because of a tear in a condom or because you forgot to take your daily contraceptive pill, or even just because you got carried away in the moment. While it’s extremely important to make sure you use contraception, especially a condom if you’re sleeping with a new partner, we understand that sometimes not everything goes to plan.

If you have had unprotected sex or if your contraception has failed, there are 2 main emergency contraception solutions. The most popular option for most women is an emergency contraceptive pill. Also known as the ‘morning after pill’ emergency contraceptive pills change you hormonal balance to prevent pregnancy. The other method is called an IUD; this involves placing a small T shaped piece of copper or plastic into the opening of the womb to prevent sperm from entering.

There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pill available. Levonelle One Step is the most common, and can prevent pregnancy for up to 72 (3 days) hours after unprotected sex. A new emergency contraceptive pill called ellaOne is now also available, and is effective for 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

What is an emergency contraceptive pill?

Also known as the morning after pill, an emergency contraceptive pill is used to prevent against pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex, or your regular contraceptive has failed. There are 2 pills available for emergency contraception, Levonelle and ellaOne. Levonelle works for up to 3 days, while ellaOne works for up to 5 days.

How do emergency contraceptive pills work?

Levonelle and ellaOne both provide contraception by affecting the hormones within your ovaries. Levonelle uses a synthetic hormone called levonorgestral, which interferes with ovulation during the early stages of an egg’s development. ellaOne uses ulipristal, which works on the hormone receptors to prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries.

Is there an alternative to an emergency contraceptive pill?

An alternative to taking an emergency contraceptive pill is an IUD. An IUD is made of plastic or copper and is shaped like a small T. It’s fitted by a doctor of nurse into the opening of your womb to prevent sperm from entering. IUDs are proven to be 98% effective, and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent against pregnancy. Unlike other forms of emergency contraception, IUDs can be used for long term contraception and can be used for 3 - 10 years. However, the procedure is not commonly performed in many clinics and surgeries, and a small number of women find IUDs uncomfortable.

Do I still need to use my regular contraceptive after taking emergency contraception?

Yes. You can only safely take one emergency contraceptive pill per menstrual cycle. If you have unprotected intercourse again during this period, you will not be able prevent pregnancy with emergency contraceptives. After taking Levonelle or ellaOne, we recommend using a barrier contraceptive, such as condom, even if you are taking birth control pills, to ensure you are protected until your next menstrual cycle.

Can an emergency contraception protect me against sexually transmitted diseases?

No, they are to prevent pregnancy only. You must wear a condom to prevent against STIs.