Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular contraception didn’t work – like if the condom broke or you missed a pill.There are two main types.

Morning-After Pill


Also called emergency contraception pills, these work by delaying or stopping ovulation. They don’t cause an abortion and won’t work if you’re already pregnant.

• When to take it? As soon as possible! The sooner you take it, the better it works. If taken within 72 hours, it reduces the chance of pregnancy by around 85%.
• There are two types:
• One that works if taken within 3 days (72 hours) – contains levonorgestrel.
• Another that works up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

Tip: Always take the pill as soon as possible for the best results. But remember, it’s not 100% effective.

Side effects? You might feel nauseous, get a headache, or have some stomach pain. Your next period might come earlier or later than usual.

Copper IUD


This is the most effective emergency contraception and can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It also works as long-term birth control.

• Why choose the pill instead?
• You don’t want to visit a clinic.
• You have heavy periods or period pain.
• You want to get pregnant soon.