Emergency contraception

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If a condom fails, a pill is missed, or you simply get carried away and have unprotected sex, there are two forms of emergency contraception: the emergency pill and the IUD device.

The emergency pill

The emergency pill is usually taken in two doses. The first must be taken within 72 hours (three days) of sex, and the second 12 hours later. Single dose emergency contraception is also now emerging.

Most types contain levels of synthetic oestrogen with progestogen - hormones that are similar to those found in the body - and work by preventing the egg from being implanted in the womb.

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