The Copper Coil 

• The most effective method of emergency contraception is the copper IUD (copper coil) . It reduces the risk of pregnancy to less than 1%.  
• It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or up to 5 days from the earliest time you might have ovulated (released an egg). If you think you might want a copper coil as emergency contraception, please get in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss it. 

Emergency Contraception Pills 

The other option for emergency contraception is a pill (sometimes called ‘the morning after pill’). There are two pills, and the pharmacist, nurse or doctor will discuss which one is best for you: 

• Levonorgestrel emergency pill 
• Ulipristal Acetate emergency pill 

Pills can be used up to 5 days after sex, but it is a good idea to take it as soon as possible. 

You can get the pill for free from your pharmacist, GP or local sexual health clinic. If none of these are open when you need emergency contraception, phone NSH 24 – dial 111 for your nearest out of hours provider.  

Remember, using emergency contraceptive pills are not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly.  

For more information about emergency contraception, visit: 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception

Brook.org.uk have kindly supplied these videos for information purposes only. If you require any contraception services, please contact us or directly on 0345 337 9900. 

Published: 12/09/2024 12:15