Emergency Contraception

Often called 'the morning after pill', you can take the emergency contraceptive pill to try and prevent pregnancy. It will only work if you haven't ovulated.

Levonelle

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic (man-made) version of the natural hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries. Taking it's thought to stop or delay the release of an egg (ovulation). Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy. It doesn't interfere with your regular method of contraception.

ellaOne
ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone working normally. This also works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. ellaOne has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy.

Your local pharmacy offers you quick and easy access to the emergency contraceptive pill, but you can also access it at your local Sexual Health clinic or GP surgery.

The most effective method of emergency contraception is the copper coil, or IUD. This is small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.

It releases copper to stop the egg implanting in your womb or being fertilised. The IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg), to prevent pregnancy.

You can choose to have the IUD left in as an ongoing method of contraception.

You'll need to attend your local sexual health service or GP for this.

For appointments at YorSexual Health, please visit our contact us page for information.