If you’ve had unprotected sex or your usual method of contraception has failed, for example you’ve missed a pill or a condom has split, you might need to know how to get emergency contraception. In fact, even if you’re not at risk of unwanted pregnancy right now, it’s useful to know how to access these forms of birth control – just in case you find yourself in a situation like this in the future. Here, we take a look at the most effective forms of emergency contraception available and give advice on where you can get hold of them.
The morning after pill
The most commonly used treatment is the emergency contraceptive pill, which you probably know as the morning after pill. There are two types on offer. One, Levonelle, has to be taken within three days of unprotected sex, while the other, ellaOne, must be used within five days. Both of these medicines work by delaying or preventing ovulation and they are more effective the sooner they are taken.
You can access these treatments from your GP surgery, contraception clinics, sexual health clinics, some accident and emergency departments and certain pharmacies. You can also get the pills over the web from trusted online pharmacies such as www.clickpharmacy.co.uk. Before receiving these prescription-only treatments, you will be asked a number of questions about your health to ensure they are safe for you to use. Bear in mind that the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare advises against the use of ellaOne if you may already be pregnant, you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication, you have difficulties with lactose metabolism or you have severe asthma that you can’t control by using steroids.
The IUD
Another option is the intrauterine device (IUD), or ‘coil’. This can be fitted up to five days following unprotected sex and it works by preventing an egg from being fertilised or implanted in your womb. This device, which is made from copper and plastic, must be inserted by a suitably trained medical professional. You might feel some discomfort while it’s being put it, but painkillers can be used to relieve this. If you use the IUD as a form of emergency contraception, it can remain in as an ongoing form of birth control. You can access it in most GP surgeries, contraception clinics and sexual health clinics.
Although these forms of emergency birth control can be effective, it is important to be aware of the fact that using regular contraception is the most reliable way of preventing unwanted pregnancy.
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