Emergency Contraception

There are two options for emergency contraception: the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) or a Copper IUD. The ECP is approved to be taken up to three days after unprotected sex. If you are an average weight, the ECP is 98% effective. If you weigh more than 70kg, the ECP is less effective and a copper IUD is recommended. If you weigh more than 70kg and you choose to take ECP, you should ask if taking a double dose is the right option for you. The copper IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex, and is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy if: you haven't used protection; your normal contraception fails e.g. condom splits; you have missed more than one contraceptive pill; you have been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill; you have missed your injection; you have been forced to have sex without contraception. The ECP as your regular method of contraception is less effective than if you were using a LARC or hormonal method.