# Emergency contraception: your options

> Condom split? Missed pills? You have more time and choices than you think.

Category: Contraception · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/contraception/emergency-contraception

## 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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/emergency-contraception) can prevent [pregnancy](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) after unprotected sex or a [contraception](https://splash.care/learn/contraception/methods-overview) slip-up. The sooner you act, the better it works.

## Your three options

- Copper coil ([IUD](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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).

**1–2 in 100** Rough number who get pregnant after taking an emergency pill (NHS)

## 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

**Myth:** The 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.

**Myth:** The morning-after pill causes an abortion.

**Fact:** Emergency pills work mainly by delaying ovulation. They won’t end an existing pregnancy.

> Hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring) can affect how some emergency pills work, and some medicines and body weight can too. For example, if you weigh over 70kg or your BMI is over 26, the levonorgestrel pill may work less well, so you may be offered a double dose, ulipristal or the copper coil instead. Tell the pharmacist everything – it helps them pick the right option for you.

> **Splash says:** emergency contraception doesn’t protect you for the rest of your cycle. Use condoms until your regular method is sorted.

### When to see a doctor

Do a pregnancy test 3 weeks after the unprotected sex, or sooner if your next period is more than 7 days late, unusually light or short. Get urgent help for sudden lower tummy pain. Consider an STI test after unprotected sex.

## Sources

1. [NHS – Emergency contraception](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception/)
2. [NHS – How to take the emergency contraceptive pill](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/how-to-take-it/)
3. [NHS Wales (Hywel Dda) – Emergency contraception](https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/sexual-health-service/emergency-contraception/)
4. [ACOG – Emergency contraception](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception)

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).