MyContraception-Woman

NEED EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?

YOU HAVE A SECOND CHANCE

You forgot the pill, the condom broke, your diaphragm wasn't placed properly, you got your non-fertile days wrong – there are a plenty of reasons things might not go to plan with your preferred method of contraception. That's what emergency contraception is for.

TYPES OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

There are actually two main types of emergency contraception – a pill containing hormones, and the copper coil (IUD).

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

Often called ‘the morning after pill’, it’s exactly that; a pill containing hormones that is designed to prevent pregnancy. It should be taken up to 24 hours after unprotected sex, but ideally within the first 12. Since it contains higher doses of hormones than the contraceptive pills, it is not supposed to be taken regularly.

THE COPPER COIL

A long-acting method of contraception that does not include hormones, the copper coil or IUD uses copper ions to immobilize sperm and stop fertilized eggs from embedding in the lining of the womb. If inserted less than 5 days after unprotected sex, it can be effective as an emergency contraceptive. You can keep the copper coil in for up to 5 to 10 years to prevent unintended pregnancy.

SPEAK TO A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

If you have any concerns or questions about emergency contraception, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. If you did not intend to have unprotected sex, for example if the condom broke, it might also be a good idea to ask them for a Sexually transmitted infection (STI) test.

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that is specific to you and your lifestyle.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
– AKA THE HORMONAL COIL

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

IUS

THE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
– AKA THE COPPER COIL

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plas­tic frame that has a copper wire. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Implant

THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

COCPs are tablets which may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the Pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

The COCP

THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

The POP

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Male condom

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that includes menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Female sterilisation

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

MyContraception-Woman

Your Con­dom Broke

MyContraception-Woman

YOU WANT TO HAVE CONTROL OF YOUR CONTRACEPTION

MyContraception-Woman

YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW HORMONES WORK

PP-PF-WHC-GB-0685 | Date of preparation: May 2021

© 2021 Bayer plc. All rights reserved

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in the UK.

Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information and for UK audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice. The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer.