Emergency contraception: The morning after pill

If you've had a mishap with your contraception - or you had unprotected sex, you don't necessarily need to panic. You can now buy the morning after pill, Levonelle, over the counter - and it's effective up to 3 days after you had sex. You can also get EllaOne - which is effective up to 5 days after having sex - on prescription.

Levonelle

Also known as: Levonorgestrel

How does it work? It uses hormones to prevent or delay ovulation and prevent an egg from implanting in the womb.

How do you take it? It is taken orally and can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex. However, it is more effective the sooner you take it. You can buy Levonelle over the counter (as long as you are over 16) or get it for free on prescription.

How effective is it? If it's taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, it is effective about 95% of the time. Between 25 - 48 hours it is 85% effective and between 49 and 72 hours it is 58% effective.

What are the good points about it? If your contraception fails or you forgot to use any, you can take this. Side effects are uncommon.

What are the bad points about it? It's not as reliable as planned contraception, so shouldn't be used regularly as contraception.

EllaOne

Also known as: Ulipristal acetate

How does it work? As with Levonelle, it uses hormones to prevent or delay ovulation and to stop an egg from implanting in the womb.

How do you take it? It is also taken orally and can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex. You can only get EllaOne on prescription.

How effective is it? Trials show it is as effective as Levonelle when taken within 3 days of having unprotected sex. New studies are needed to show exactly how effective it is after 3 days.

What are the good points about it? Again, side effects are uncommon - and you can fall back on it if regular contraception fails.

What are the bad points about it? As you need a prescription to get it, it could be more difficult to get hold of than Levonelle. And it's not as reliable as planned contraception, so should only be used in emergencies.

The coil

The IUD coil can also be used as emergency contraception - it prevents pregnancy if it is fitted within 5 days of having unprotected sex.

Next: Find out what your family planning clinic can offer you

Where next?
- More about sexually-transmitted infections
- Find out about post-birth contraception
- Tips for dealing with your doctor
- Talking to your teen about sex and relationships
- Which contraception works for you? Join Chat and tell others about it

Sources and other help:
Family Planning Association
BBC Health
NHS Direct
Netdoctor.co.uk