Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It's most effective the sooner it's taken
About emergency contraception
There are two main types: emergency contraceptive pills (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate), which mainly work by delaying ovulation, and the copper intrauterine device (IUD), the most effective option, which can also be kept in as ongoing contraception. Levonorgestrel is licensed for use within 72 hours and ulipristal acetate within 120 hours of unprotected sex, though effectiveness is highest when taken as soon as possible
Treatments
Symptoms
Not a condition with symptoms of its own, but possible side effects include:
• Nausea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• A change in the timing of the next period
Diagnosis
A brief health questionnaire checks timing since unprotected sex, current medicines (some reduce the effectiveness of pill-based options), and any conditions affecting choice, to identify the most suitable and effective option
Treatment
The appropriate pill is taken as a single dose as soon as possible; if vomiting occurs within 2-3 hours, a replacement dose may be needed. Ongoing contraception should be discussed at the same time, since emergency contraception does not protect against pregnancy for the rest of the cycle
Prevention and self-care
• Consider starting or restarting regular contraception straight away
• Take a pregnancy test if a period is more than 7 days late or unusually light
• Use condoms until a reliable method is established
• Emergency contraception can be used more than once in a cycle if needed, though it's less effective than regular contraception
• Seek advice promptly if unprotected sex has occurred, as timing affects effectiveness
Reviewed by Hamza Iqbal Naheed, Superintendent Pharmacist, GPhC 2209194 (check the register) · Last updated 21 September 2026