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 then keep wearing it for up to 5 to 10 years to prevent unintended pregnancy.

REMEMBER TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE

If you have any concerns or questions about emergency contraception, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or nurse. If you didn’t intend to have unprotected sex, for example if the condom broke, it might also be a good idea to ask them for an STI test.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If your usual contraception recently let you down, if a late period has caused you concern, or if your current method doesn’t fit your lifestyle, consider these contraception methods:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE?

Get ready to speak to a doctor or nurse. Use a 3-step guide to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment.

START PREPARING
START PREPARING

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

Withdrawal has a huge capacity for human error. As some sperm can be released before orgasm, the withdrawal method should only be considered if you’re comfortable with the risk of conceiving. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. 

LEARN MORE

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

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.

Image of an IUS

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.

Image of Female Condom

THE
IUD

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an 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.

Image of the Implant

THE
INJECTION

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

Image of an Injection

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.

Image of a Ring

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.

Image of the Patch

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

Image of birth control pills

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.

Image of a Diaphragm

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 STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

Image of a Sponge

WITHDRAWAL

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

Image of a timer for the withdrawal method

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include 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.

Image of spermicide

MALE
STERILIZATION

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

Icon representing male sterilization

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

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

Icon representing female sterilization
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

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Last updated on 21/02/2020

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