What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when regular contraception fails (e.g. a condom breaks or a missed pill). It does not cause an abortion and is most effective when used as soon as possible.
There are two main types of emergency contraception:
- Emergency contraceptive pill (‘morning-after pill’) – Taken within 3 to 5 days after unprotected sex, depending on the type.
- Copper intrauterine device (IUD) – Can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is the most effective emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Who is Emergency Contraception suitable for?
Emergency contraception may be a good option if:
- You had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant.
- Your regular contraception failed (e.g. missed pill, broken condom).
It may not be suitable if:
- You are already pregnant – emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
- You have certain medical conditions that interact with the emergency pill (such as severe liver disease).
How does it work, and what are the options?
1. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (‘Morning-After Pill’)
There are two types:
- Levonorgestrel (Levonelle), must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
- Ulipristal Acetate (EllaOne), must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) and is more effective than Levonorgestrel.
Both pills work by delaying ovulation so that sperm cannot fertilise an egg. They do not work if ovulation has already occurred.
2. Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception
The copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It prevents pregnancy by:
- Releasing copper, which is toxic to sperm.
- Preventing implantation of a fertilised egg.
The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception, with a failure rate of less than 1%. It can also be used as long-term contraception for up to 10 years.
