Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD) or
“coil”
How does it work?
This option works by preventing a fertilised
egg from implanting in the uterus (womb). It
can be used up to 120 hours (five days) after
sex, and can sometimes be used later than
five days, depending on when your last
period was.
Where can I go for further advice?
The Sexual Health and Contraception
Service based at Queen’s Hospital
01708 503 838
Redbridge Pregnancy Advisory Service at
King George Hospital – the Maple Suite
0845 077 2250 ext 82222
Things to consider
It works immediately and will continue to
provide contraception straight away.
It can be removed after your period or kept
and used for ongoing contraception. If you
decide to keep the IUD, it can stay in place
for between five and 10 years.
“
Emergency
Contraception
It takes about 10-15 minutes to fit and may
be uncomfortable to have fitted.
The IUD is the most effective method of
emergency contraception. It prevents
pregnancy more than 99% of the time.
Dated: April 2016
Revision date: April 2018
Patient Information no: 608
www.bhrhospitals.nhs.uk
@BHR_hospitals
Barking, Havering and Redbridge
University Hospitals NHS Trust
To help you decide which method to use,
the nurse or doctor will need to ask you
some questions. It will be helpful and save
time if you can think about, and answer, the
following questions while you are waiting.



When did you have unprotected
sex? By unprotected sex, we mean
sex without a condom, missed pills,
withdrawal method. All of these
carry a risk of pregnancy.
What was the first day of your last
period? (the day your last period
started)
Have you had any other unprotected
sex or pregnancy risks (other than
the one you have come to see us
today about) since your last period?
There are three types of
emergency contraception.
Levonorgestrel 1500mcg (Levonelle
1500) – emergency pill
How does it work?
This works by delaying or preventing
ovulation (release of the egg from the
ovary). It can be used up to 72 hours (three
days) after sex.
Things to consider
Some women still become pregnant even
though they have taken the emergency pill.
It can be less effective if you vomit (are sick)
soon after taking it.
The emergency pill prevents at least 50% of
pregnancies. The emergency pill only works
for a single episode of unprotected sex.
However, you can usually take it again if
you have a further risk.
You will need to use another method of
contraception after taking this. Your period
may be early or delayed by up to a week.
Speak to the nurse or doctor about starting
a method of contraception or continuing
your regular contraception.
Levonelle 1500 is safe to use when
breastfeeding.
Ulipristal Acetate 30mg (EllaOne) –
emergency pill
How does it work?
This also works by delaying or preventing
ovulation. It can be used up to 120 hours
(five days) after sex.
Things to consider
Some women still become pregnant even
though they have taken the emergency pill.
It can be less effective if you vomit (are sick)
soon after taking it.
The emergency pill prevents at least 50% of
pregnancies.
“
The emergency pill only works for a single
episode of unprotected sex. However, you
can usually take it again if you have a further
risk. You will need to use a method of
contraception after taking this. Your period
may be early or delayed by up to a week.
Speak to the nurse or doctor about starting a
method of contraception or continuing your
regular contraception.
You are not usually advised to take EllaOne if
you are breastfeeding. This is because you
would need to stop breast feeding for seven
days after taking this tablet.