Emergency Contraception

This can be used if you have sex without using contraception and do not want to become pregnant. It can also be used if you think your method of contraception may have failed, for example, a condom breaking. It will usually prevent you from becoming pregnant but it is advisable that you act as quickly as possible.

For advice or to get emergency contraception, contact:

• The Regent's Park Clinic
• Your GP
• Any family planning clinic
• Most genitourinary medicine (GUM)/sexual health clinics
• Some hospital emergency departments
• Some pharmacies

You may have to buy emergency contraception, but many of the above will also be provided free of charge. If you should decide to attend The Regent's Park Clinic for this service all advice and treatment is confidential.

Methods

There are two methods of emergency contraception. One is emergency pills, which must be taken within three days (72 hours), of having had unprotected sex
The other is an emergency copper "coil" or intrauterine device (IUD) which must be fitted within the five days following unprotected sex.
Medical research is clear in its opinion that emergency contraception by either method prevents pregnancy but is not abortion. Abortion refers to when a fertilised egg that has already implanted itself in the uterus or womb is removed. See abortion pages for different methods and anaesthesia.

The Emergency Pill

This is a progestogen-only hormonal pill which must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex but is more effective the earlier it is taken. With this method, the first dose is taken as soon as possible and the second dose should be taken 12 hours later.

How do they work?

The pills may:

* Stop an egg being released (ovulation)
* Delay release of an egg
* Stop implantation (a fertilised egg attaching itself to the wall of your womb)

Are they effective?

They are very effective, especially if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex.

Are they suitable for anyone?

Most women can take them if they had the unprotected sex within 72 hours. Some women who have certain medical problems, or are on certain medication, may not be able to take them. This will be assessed before they are dispensed to you. Combined oestrogen and progestogen pills cannot be given to women with a history of deep vein thrombosis, chronic liver disease or those who have a migraine at the time they see the doctor. Both types of pill cannot be given to women known to have acute porphyria (a rare disorder of iron metabolism). At the Regent's Park Clinic we only prescribe the progestogen-only pill and as such, it is rare for us not to be able to prescribe it to a patient on medical grounds. The main medications that interact with the progestogen-only pill are certain antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis, antivirals used for HIV therapy and a drug call cyclosporin used for rheumatoid arthritis amongst other conditions. If a woman contemplating taking emergency contraception is on any of these drugs it is vital she tells the doctor as the dosage of progestogen may need to be altered to be effective.

What are the side effects?

Some women feel sick or vomit - this is less likely now that they are progestogen-only pills.

What if I vomit?

The information in this paragraph relates to the progestogen-only pill. If vomiting occurs, you should take the second tablet immediately and return to the clinic where you will be given another tablet to be taken 12 hours later. If you vomit the second tablet you should consult a doctor immediately. It may be suggested to you that you have an IUD fitted. (This service is not available at The Regent's Park Clinic).

What if they fail?

They are most likely to fail if they are taken late, the 2nd dose is forgotten, or if you are sick. These pills have not been shown to affect a pregnancy or a developing baby.

Can I use them regularly?

These are not as effective as alternative methods of contraception such as the pill or condoms. It is not dangerous to take emergency contraception more than once, but regular contraception is advised when you have sex. It is important to remember also that condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The Copper IUD

This is a copper IUD or "coil" which a doctor or nurse fits into your womb within five days after unprotected sex.

How does it work?

It may stop an egg being fertilised or implanting in your womb.

Is it effective?

It is very effective, in fact almost 100%. This method can also be used to provide long-term contraception, although it will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Is it suitable for anyone?

It may be suitable:

• If you are too late to take emergency pills (over 72 hours but less than five days)
• If you are unable to take hormones
• If you want a long-term method

However, there is a risk of pelvic infection if you are having sexual intercourse with more than one partner and are at risk of acquiring an infection. You may be offered a full sexually transmitted infection screen at the time the IUD is fitted and possibly also some antibiotics.

When is the IUD removed?

You must see a doctor or nurse within four weeks of the IUD being fitted, even if you have not had a period. This is to check for any problems and ensure that you are not pregnant. If you wish to have the IUD removed, this can be done during your next period. Alternatively, you can keep it as your regular form of contraception.