Emergency contraception means contraception used soon after unprotected sex or if you think your regular method has let you down. This can be a pill, Levonelle® or Ella One®, or it can involve fitting an intra-uterine device (see below). Neither of these methods causes abortion - they simply help prevent pregnancy happening.
Levonelle® is a hormonal pill you can take up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, it works better the sooner you take it. It can reduce your risk of getting pregnant, has few or no side-effects and is totally safe to take. You can get Levonelle free from all sexual health clinics, from GPs and from pharmacists in Lothian.
EllaOne® is a new, highly effective, emergency contraceptive pill which can be taken up to five days after unprotected intercourse. You can get this from a doctor or nurse in any of the sexual health clinics or on prescription from your GP. This pill is not available from pharmacies at the moment and may not suit everyone so it will be discussed with you carefully.
An intra-uterine device is a small plastic device which is fitted in your uterus and can be used for emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex. You may choose this because it is more effective than Levonelle, or if you are beyond the 72-hour limit for Levonelle. Or you may choose an IUD because you'd like to use it anyway for long term, reliable contraception. The doctor or nurse will discuss this method with you. You may get it fitted right away or possibly be asked to come back to get it fitted later.
