Emergency contraception

It's a fact of life that people have sex when they weren't intending to and that accidents happen. When they do, it's good to know that Levonelle One Step®, the emergency contraceptive pill, is there as a back up. 

But emergency contraception is only intended for occasions when something has gone wrong and is not something you should use regularly.

There are two kinds of emergency contraception, Levonelle One Step® , the emergency contraceptive pill and the IUD, or Intrauterine Device (also known as the coil).

Emergency contraception is available free, from doctors (if they provide contraceptive services), from family planning clinics and sexual health clinics. Or you can buy Levonelle One Step® at most pharmacies throughout the UK.

Emergency contraceptive pills are 95% effective within 24 hours of unprotected sex, 85% between 25-48 hours and 58% if used between 49 and 72 hours. That's why you need to get them as soon as possible.

The IUD is almost 100% effective as a method of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

The IUD as emergency contraception.