{"id":4836,"date":"2023-12-20T10:14:01","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T10:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4836"},"modified":"2024-01-10T11:35:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T11:35:02","slug":"emergency-contraception","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/emergency-contraception\/","title":{"rendered":"What is emergency contraception and when should you use it?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You can be as careful as possible, but there\u2019s always the chance that birth control might fail. Perhaps you forgot your pill, or maybe the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-condoms\/\">condom<\/a> split. These things happen. Unprotected sex isn\u2019t anything to be embarrassed about!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#whatisemergencycontraception?\">What is emergency contraception?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#typesofemergencycontraception\">Types of emergency contraception<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sideeffects\">Side effects of emergency contraception<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#effectivity\">How effective is emergency contraception?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#wheretogetit?\">Where can you get emergency contraception in the UK?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#afterusingemergencycontraception\">After using emergency contraception<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#thetakeaway\">The takeaway<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, when this situation occurs, it\u2019s easy to freak out. But we\u2019re here to give you the facts and point you towards the answer.<\/p>\n<p><em>Keep reading for an unbiased guide to emergency contraception in the UK.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whatisemergencycontraception?\"><strong>What is emergency contraception?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Emergency contraception is a type of contraception used to prevent pregnancy immediately after unprotected sex or when a contraceptive method fails. You usually have three to five days to take it, depending on the type of contraception you choose.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When do you take emergency contraception?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Emergency contraception should be used if you\u2019ve had unprotected sex and don\u2019t wish to become pregnant. It should also be used if your contraception has failed, for example, when a condom rips or if you forget to take a pill. This way, the emergency contraception covers the standard contraceptive method.<\/p>\n<p>There are different types, and each comes with different time windows to be taken. However, the general guideline is to take emergency contraception within three to five days of unprotected sex. Always check the guidelines with your chosen specific brand for accurate information.<\/p>\n<p>Emergency contraception is always more effective when used sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\u201dtypesofemergencycontraception&quot;\"><strong>Types of emergency contraception<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In the UK, you can access two main methods of emergency contraception. These are the copper intrauterine device (IUD or copper coil) and the emergency contraceptive pill (ellaOne and Levonelle).<\/p>\n<p>The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/contraception\/how-effective-emergency-contraception\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">less than 0.1% of women become pregnant with this method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The emergency pill still prevents pregnancies, but not as well as the IUD. Generally, the ellaOne pill is more effective than Levonelle. This is also called the morning-after pill.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All about the emergency pill<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The emergency contraceptive pill tends to be more popular as it\u2019s a less invasive and quicker option.<\/p>\n<p>It works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg (ovulation). However, if you\u2019re at the stage in your<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/menstruation-and-mental-health\/\"> menstrual cycle <\/a>where you\u2019ve already ovulated, the contraceptive pill won\u2019t work. This is why the IUD\/coil is more effective.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s recommended to take the emergency contraceptive pill anyway, as working out when you\u2019ve ovulated is tricky &#8211; even if you\u2019re practising fertility tracking. Some studies show that the emergency pill can reduce the chances of pregnancy even after ovulation.<\/p>\n<p>If in doubt, you should discuss your worries with your doctor. They may refer you to the copper coil\/IUD for a more secure method of contraception.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Here\u2019s what you need to know about each brand of pill:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Levonelle<\/strong> &#8211; This pill contains levonorgestrel, an artificial version of progesterone. This aims to delay or stop ovulation. You must<strong> take Levonelle within three days\/72 hours <\/strong>of unprotected sex<\/li>\n<li><strong>ellaOne<\/strong> &#8211; This emergency pill contains ulipristal acetate, which inhibits progesterone. This also stops or delays the egg release. You have more time to take ellaOne. You can take <strong>this pill within five days\/120 hours<\/strong> of unprotected sex<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Depending on your BMI, the emergency pill might not be your route. This is because it makes it harder to provide a precise estimate for the pill needed.<\/p>\n<p>If you vomit within two to three hours of taking either pill, you need to get another dose. Alternatively, you can get an IUD fitted.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything you need to know about the IUD\/Copper coil<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The IUD\/copper coil is the most effective form of emergency contraception. However, it\u2019s also a more invasive route. This is because IUDs are inserted into your uterus.<\/p>\n<p>The copper IUD works by releasing copper into the womb. Copper alters your cervical mucus and makes it more difficult for sperm to survive. This dramatically lessens the chance of fertilisation.<\/p>\n<p>A vital benefit of the IUD is that once it\u2019s in, you can rely on it as a primary method of birth control for 5 to 10 years. It\u2019s also non-hormonal, meaning if you want it removed to have children, your fertility isn\u2019t affected.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4839\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-1.png\" alt=\"a woman holding a blister pack of emergency contraception pills with a man in the background\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sideeffects\"><strong>Side effects of emergency contraception<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Like standard contraception, emergency contraception can leave you with some pesky side effects.<\/p>\n<p>The pill (oral contraceptive) can cause fatigue, irregular vaginal bleeding, vomiting, and nausea, and it may affect when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/period-sex-tips\/\">your next period<\/a> arrives. These side effects aren\u2019t common and usually resolve without medical intervention.<\/p>\n<p>Side effects of the IUD include pain, infection, heavier periods, or womb damage. There\u2019s also a slight risk of the IUD expelling itself out of your womb. Again, these are all very rare.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you do experience any of these symptoms, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">111<\/a> or your medical provider for professional guidance.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"effectivity\"><strong>How effective is emergency contraception?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The effectiveness depends on how soon you take or get it and whether or not you\u2019ve ovulated.<\/p>\n<p>When taken within the correct time window, 1 to 2% of women who take ellaOne get pregnant. In contrast, only 0.6 to 2.6 of women who take Levonelle become pregnant.<\/p>\n<p>Fewer than 0.1% of women fall pregnant after receiving an IUD\/copper coil after unprotected sex.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"wheretogetit?\"><strong>Where can you get emergency contraception in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Luckily, accessing emergency contraception in the UK is easy, and you can get it for free.<\/p>\n<p>If you want the emergency pill for free, you can contact your GP, NHS walk-in centres, sexual health (GUM) clinics, contraceptive clinics, some hospital A&amp;E departments, and some pharmacies.<\/p>\n<p>You can buy Levonelle and ellaOne from most pharmacies and shops like Boots. Typically, Levonelle costs around \u00a325 and ellaOne \u00a335.<\/p>\n<p>You can get the IUD for free from contraception clinics, sexual health (GUM) clinics, GP surgeries, and Brook centres.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4838\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-2.png\" alt=\"a woman holding a blister pack of emergency contraception pills\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-2.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/emergency-contraception-2-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"&quot;afterusingemergencycontraception\u201d\"><strong>After using emergency contraception<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s normal to feel anxious after using emergency contraception.<\/p>\n<p>After taking it, get the practical steps out of the way, such as getting screened for STIs and taking a pregnancy test on the date of your next period. These tasks can be nerve-wracking, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/self-care-for-sex-workers\/\">indulge in some self-care<\/a> afterwards.<\/p>\n<p>If the emergency contraceptive fails and you receive a positive pregnancy test, you should consult your doctor to discuss what\u2019s best for you. Remember, you control your body, and there\u2019s no right or wrong answer.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thetakeaway\"><strong>The takeaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about emergency contraception and how to access these services in the UK. Always discuss your options with a medical professional for a professional opinion when in doubt.<\/p>\n<p>Share this guide with your friends to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/navigating-stigma-and-discrimination\/\">end the stigma<\/a> surrounding emergency contraception and to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/breast-cancer-awareness-for-sex-workers\/\">raise awareness <\/a>about the facts!<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-and-relationships\/\">Learn more about sex, relationships, and taking care of yourself on the Vivastreet blog<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You can be as careful as possible, but there\u2019s always the chance that birth control might fail. Perhaps you forgot your pill, or maybe the condom split. These things happen. Unprotected sex isn\u2019t anything to be embarrassed about! What is emergency contraception? Types of emergency contraception Side effects of emergency contraception How effective is emergency [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4840,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[223],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-4836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sex-and-relationships"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4836"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4836\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4836"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}