Quick read
Key points
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Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a missed pill or a condom breaking. There are two main types: emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called the "morning after pill"), which are most effective the sooner they're taken, and the copper coil, which can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex and is the most effective option overall.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Emergency contraceptive pills are available from pharmacies without a prescription in many cases — ask your pharmacist
01 · Know
What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a missed pill or a condom breaking. There are two main types: emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called the "morning after pill"), which are most effective the sooner they're taken, and the copper coil, which can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex and is the most effective option overall.
Emergency contraception is available from pharmacies, GPs, and family planning clinics, often without needing an appointment for the pill option. It's intended for occasional use in an emergency, not as a regular method of contraception.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
The copper coil is the most effective emergency option
While emergency contraceptive pills are effective, especially taken promptly, the copper coil is the most effective form of emergency contraception available, and can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex.
03 · Act
How to Access Emergency Contraception
- 1Emergency contraceptive pills are available from pharmacies without a prescription in many cases — ask your pharmacist
- 2The copper coil requires an appointment with a GP or family planning clinic for fitting
- 3Seek emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex, since effectiveness decreases over time
- 4Discuss ongoing contraception with a doctor or pharmacist after using emergency contraception
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Act as Soon as Possible — Timing Affects Effectiveness
Emergency contraceptive pills work best the sooner they're taken after unprotected sex, and become less effective with time — don't delay seeking emergency contraception if you need it.
- 1Seek emergency contraception as soon as possible.A pharmacist can advise on the most suitable option and how quickly you need to act.
- 2Ask about the copper coil if within five days.This is the most effective option and also provides ongoing contraception afterward if desired.
- 3Take a pregnancy test if your next period is late or unusual.This confirms whether the emergency contraception was effective.
- 4Discuss ongoing contraception afterward.This helps prevent needing emergency contraception again in the future.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Emergency contraception ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Emergency contraception is effective at preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, with the copper coil being the most effective option available.
Act as soon as possible — effectiveness decreases the longer you wait after unprotected sex.