On this page 4 sections
Quick answer
- Copper coil within 5 days is the most effective option.
- Levonelle within 3 days; ellaOne within 5 days – sooner is better.
- Free from clinics, GPs and many pharmacies.
- It’s a one-off – sort ongoing contraception and consider an STI test.
Accidents happen to everyone. Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a contraception slip-up. The sooner you act, the better it works.
Your three options
- Copper coil (IUD): fitted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest you could have ovulated. The most effective option – and you can keep it as ongoing contraception.
- Levonorgestrel pill (e.g. Levonelle): within 3 days (72 hours).
- Ulipristal acetate pill (ellaOne): within 5 days (120 hours).
Where to get it
- Free: most sexual health clinics and GP surgeries (pill and coil), most pharmacies (pill), some walk-in centres and young people’s services
- To buy: most pharmacies, and many sell it online
MythThe morning-after pill only works the morning after.
Fact
Depending on type, pills work up to 3 or 5 days after sex. The copper coil works up to 5 days too.
MythThe morning-after pill causes an abortion.
Fact
Emergency pills work mainly by delaying ovulation. They won’t end an existing pregnancy.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.