Preventing Pregnancy after Unprotected Sex: The Copper Coil
The most reliable emergency option is the copper IUD. It can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex and also provides ongoing contraception. If a same‑day fitting isn’t convenient, we can help you find and book a local sexual health clinic. Book an appointment online, call 0208 679 7198, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll arrange the rest.
The Morning After Pill
An alternative to the copper IUD is the morning after pill. Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) is usually the best oral choice and can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. It is more effective than levonorgestrel close to ovulation.
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) is also widely available from pharmacies and works up to 72 hours (3 days), but is most effective the sooner it’s taken and may be less effective at higher BMI.
Emergency contraception delays or prevents ovulation and does not terminate an existing pregnancy. It is usually taken as a single dose as soon as possible after unprotected sex — earlier use increases effectiveness.
When to take the Morning After Pill
If ovulation has occured then there is a risk of pregnancy, even if you take emergency contraception. In this instance the Copper-IUD is most effective for you. If this is not possible or practical then we will give you advice and guidance depending on your particular circumstances.
Effectiveness, BMI and medicines to watch for
Effectiveness of the morning after pill depends on how quickly you take it, where you are in your cycle, your body weight/BMI, and any medicines you’re taking. A higher BMI means the morning after pill may be less effective.
Some medicines — known as “enzyme‑inducing drugs” — can also reduce how well oral emergency contraception works. These drugs make your liver break down other medicines faster; common examples include certain epilepsy treatments (for example carbamazepine or phenytoin), some tuberculosis and HIV medicines, and even herbal remedies such as St John’s wort. This means that these other medicines lower the amount of emergency‑contraception hormone available in your body and therefore reduce effectiveness. If you take any of these medicines tell the clinician so they can recommend the effective options for you.
Morning after pill and regular contraception
Levonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraception does not interact with ongoing hormonal contraception in the same way as ulipristal does — you can resume or start regular hormonal contraception immediately after taking LNG‑EC.
Ulipristal acetate (UPA, e.g., ellaOne) does interact with progestogen‑containing contraception. UPA may be less effective if progestogen containg medicines have been taken in the 7 days before UPA. Additionally progestogen‑containing birth control methods should not be started or resumed for 5 days after taking UPA. During these 5 days use condoms or avoid sex to maintain protection.
Side effects and practical points
Most people have mild, short‑term side effects (nausea, headache, temporary period changes). If you vomit within a few hours of taking a pill you may need repeat dosing or an IUD — seek clinical advice. If your next period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
How Nora Health helps you
1. We can post the morning after pill to you
Order online and receive the morning after pill at a location of your choice. To ensure your medicines arrive on time order as soon as possible.
2. Discreet packaging prioritises confidential healthcare
All deliveries use plain, unbranded packaging. Your privacy is respected at every step — from ordering to delivery and disposal guidance.
3. We can guide you on long‑term contraception too
If you want ongoing protection, our clinicians explain options (pill, implant, coil, injection, IUD, patch, ring) and help you choose what fits your life. We can arrange follow‑up appointments or signpost local clinics for fitting and ongoing care.
4. Real clinicians, real conversations
Our team are qualified clinicians — not chatbots. If you’re unsure or want to talk it through, call us on 0208 679 7198 or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll advise the safest, most effective next step
References:
NICE CKS — Contraception Emergency
FSRH Emergency Contraception Guidelines
NHS — Emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)
Brook - Emergency contraception