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Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy if sex occurred without using contraception, or there has been a mistake with a contraceptive method.
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Hormone tablets are commonly prescribed and are very effective, preventing at least three out of four pregnancies that would have occurred if no emergency contraception had been taken.
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An alternative to tablets is to insert an intra-uterine device . This can be done up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It has the advantage of providing on going contraception once inserted and is more effective (almost 100%).
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The tablets need to be started within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
The first dose should be taken AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and the second dose should be taken 12 hours (and no later than 16 hours) after the first dose.
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Some women feel sick and a few women may actually vomit. Taking antisickness tablets at the same time as, or just before, the hormone tablets may help.
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If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking either dose of Levonelle-2 then the dose should be repeated, possibly with an anti-sickness tablet, or an intrauterine device can be used.
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Emergency contraception tablets do not prevent pregnancy for the rest of your cycle . You should not have sex or you should use some other form of contraception, for example condoms, until your next period.
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Your next period may come a little early or a little late. If your period is more than 7 days late you should see your doctor as the treatment does not always prevent pregnancy.
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You may wish to discuss regular contraception with your doctor or nurse.

Emergency contraception is usually effective if started within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
You can use emergency contraception if:
You have had sex without using contraception.
You have had sex but there was a mistake with contraception. For example, a split condom or if you missed taking your usual contraceptive pills.
It is a pill that contains a high dose of a progestogen hormone called levonorgestrel. The brand name is Levonelle-2. It works either by preventing or postponing ovulation, or by preventing the fertilised egg from settling in the uterus
(womb).
The pill is free on prescription. You can also buy it from pharmacies without a prescription.
Take one pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex and a further pill 12 hours later. You can start taking it up to 72 hours after sex but the earlier the better.
It is effective but not as reliable as regular, planned, contraception. So it should only be used in emergencies. Only about 1 in 200 women will become pregnant if the dose is taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex. It becomes gradually less effective the more time than elapses. However, there is still a good chance of preventing pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

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Nausea (feeling sick) occurs in some women for about 24 hours after taking this pill. This may be less likely if the pills are taken with food. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking a pill, then repeat the dose straight away. Obtain a further supply to complete the two doses if you lose one dose due to vomiting. Medication to prevent further vomiting may also be advised by your doctor or nurse.
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Most women have their next period at about the usual time. Sometimes it is a few days earlier or later than expected. Some women have slight vaginal bleeding a day or so after the second dose. This is not a normal period and is of no concern. See a doctor or nurse if your next period is more than 7 days later than expected. A pregnancy test may then be advised.
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A few women develop minor side effects such as mild headache, dizziness or breast tenderness for a short while.
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Some women need a higher dose of emergency pill if they are taking certain other medication. For example, women taking certain anti-epilepsy medicines.
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There is still a small risk of pregnancy even if you take emergency contraception correctly. The possibility that the hormone in the pills may harm a developing baby cannot be completely ruled out, but it is thought to be very unlikely.
Who cannot take this type of emergency contraception?
Do not take it if you are already pregnant.
Some women with liver disease or acute porphyria may be advised not to use this type of pill.
Some reasons why emergency contraception is more likely to fail
If you take the first pill more than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
If you forget to take the second pill or take it more than 12 hours after the first. It is important to be accurate in the timing of the second pill. You may have to set an alarm.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking a pill and do not take a repeat dose..
If you have had unprotected sex at another, earlier, time.
If you have unprotected sex again after taking emergency contraception.
Follow up
You may want to discuss your regular contraceptive needs with a doctor or nurse.
This may be best in a relaxed follow-up consultation.