Are there any alternatives?

If you've had unprotected sex and you're worried about getting pregnant, you can sometimes have an IUD (intrauterine device) fitted as an alternative to the morning after pill. It can be fitted up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

The IUD is a small T-shaped frame with a thin copper coil around the stem which is inserted into the neck of the womb. It has to be fitted by a trained healthcare professional. It is normally used as a method of long-term birth control but can also be used to prevent pregnancy in an emergency.

If you're worried about an unplanned pregnancy, and it's more than 72 hours since you had unprotected sex, see your doctor or family planning clinic as soon as possible.

Side effects

You may have some menstrual pain and some light bleeding for a few days after the fitting and if so, you can take painkillers until the pain passes.

Effectiveness

The IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception - almost 100%.