Emergency contraception

Copper IUD

The copper IUD is 10 times more effective at preventing pregnancy than emergency pills. It is the most effective method of emergency contraception and will work even after you have most likely already ovulated, i.e. more than halfway through a regular cycle. It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or 5 days after the earliest possible time of ovulation. The IUD is effective immediately and it can be kept in as a hormone free method of contraception for up to 10 years if you would like, or we can remove the coil after we know you are not pregnant. 

Levonorgestrel (also known as Levonelle)

Levonelle needs to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex and works by delaying the release of an egg. It only prevents pregnancy for that one episode of UPSI and you are not protected after this. 

Ulipristal acetate (also known as (ellaOne)

ellaOne has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It stops or delays the release of an egg. If you are on the contraceptive, it will also stop this from working properly. You must wait 5 days before taking your pill again and then another 7 days before you can rely on your oral contraceptive so 12 days of condom use are required. After taking ellaOne, if you do not wait 5 days before restarting your contraceptive pill, you will be at risk of pregnancy.

Out of hours emergency contraception

If you aren’t able to get to us within our opening hours please use the links below for a list of pharmacies that supply FREE emergency oral contraception for Rotherham residents. Please ring the pharmacy before you go, to make sure a trained member of staff is working. You will need to consult with a pharmacist before taking any emergency contraception.