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NEED EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?

YOU HAVE A SECOND CHANCE

You forgot the pill, the condom broke, your diaphragm wasn't placed properly, you got your non-fertile days wrong – there are a plenty of reasons things might not go to plan with your preferred method of contraception. That's what emergency contraception is for.

TYPES OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

There are actually two main types of emergency contraception – a pill containing hormones, and the copper coil (IUD).

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

Often called ‘the morning after pill’, it’s exactly that; a pill containing hormones that is designed to prevent pregnancy. It should be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but ideally within the first 12. Since it contains higher doses of hormones than the contraceptive pills, it is not supposed to be taken regularly.

THE COPPER COIL

A long-acting method of contraception that does not include hormones, the copper coil or IUD uses copper ions to immobilise sperm and stop fertilised eggs from embedding in the lining of the womb. If inserted less than 5 days after unprotected sex, it can be effective as an emergency contraceptive. You can then keep wearing it for up to 5 to 10 years depending on the type and availability in your country, to prevent unintended pregnancy.

REMEMBER TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE

If you have any concerns or questions about emergency contraception, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or nurse. If you didn’t intend to have unprotected sex, for example if the condom broke, it might also be a good idea to ask them for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

Emergency contraceptive pills shouldn’t be taken often, so if you find yourself needing them more than once, consider these long-acting contraceptives:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that is specific to you and your lifestyle.

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.

WHAT’S MY METHOD?

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 5 years. It is available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. Female condoms reduce the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, when used correctly with every act of sex. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 or up to 10 years, depending on the type and availability in your country.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is available on prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Image of the Implant

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is available on prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 2 or every 3 months. 

Image of an Injection

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered and available on prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. 

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is available on prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered, orally, and needs to be taken at the same time each day. It is available on prescription.

Image of birth control pills

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered up to 24 hours before sex. It is available on prescription. 

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawl method

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. 

Natural Planning

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilisation

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

Your Con­dom Broke

Your Con­dom Broke

You're Tired of the Daily Reg­i­men

You're Tired of the Daily Reg­i­men

Un­der­stand­ing The Hor­mones in Your Body

Un­der­stand­ing The Hor­mones in Your Body

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Date of last update: 19 January 2021

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