Emergency
Emergency contraception is used if one of the methods of contraception above has failed or if a couple has had unprotected sex. There are two methods: the IUD or emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill). There are two brands of emergency pill; Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours (three days) and ellaOne within 120 hours (five days). The level of effectiveness is higher if they are taken earlier; for Levonelle it is 95% effective if taken within 24 hours going down to 58% if taken 49-72 hours after unprotected sex. An IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex. If you need emergency contraception, your doctor, local family planning clinic or pharmacy can provide this. It is worth considering starting a more reliable form of contraception, and your doctor or family planning clinic can discuss this with you.
Those people requiring emergency contraception should also consider seeking advice about screening for sexually transmitted infection.