The morning after pill (emergency contraception)
Are there any alternatives?
The alternative to the morning after pill is the IUD (intrauterine device). The IUD can be fitted as an alternative to the morning after pill 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.
IUD 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.
IUD effectiveness
The IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception - almost 100%.
