Emergency contraception methods

There are several emergency contraception methods you can use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Three of these are Levonelle, ellaOne and the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD, also known as 'the coil').

Your decision about which contraceptive method would work best depends on your individual situation. Each emergency contraceptive method carries various benefits and disadvantages. The ellaOne pill is a new emergency contraceptive pill, which will work for up to 5 days after you have had sex.

EC methods

Three of the main emergency contraceptive methods come in pill form; Levonelle, ellaOne and the IUD.

Levonelle contains the active ingredient Levonorgestrel, which is a synthetic of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. It is not fully understood how Levonelle works, but experts believe it prevents ovulation and fertilisation and alters the lining of the womb. Levonelle tricks the body into thinking that ovulation has already occurred. It also 'simulates' the effects of being pregnant (when a woman is pregnant, her body produces large amounts of progesterone).

Levonelle is effective when used within 72 hours of having sex. Levonelle is most effective when taken within 24 hours of sex. At this time it is 95% effective. Up to 48 hours, it is 85% effective. Up to 72 hours it only works in 58% of cases.

One reason why you might choose Levonelle as an emergency contraception method is because it has been on the market for a long time. It is a tried, trusted and tested drug. However, there are certain people who may not be suitable for Levonelle. These people include pregnant women, women who have had sex more than three days previously, and women with severely decreased liver function.

The emergency contraceptive pill ellaOne may be more suitable for some women. ellaOne works because of the active ingredient it contains, ulipristal acetate, which is a synthetic derivative of the female sex hormone progesterone. ellaOne alters the lining of the womb, and increases the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb.

Like Levonelle, ellaOne is an effective emergency contraception method. In clinical trials, it has been proven that only 2 out of every 100 women who take ellaOne will become pregnant. ellaOne has the advantage that it can be taken up to five days after having sex. As with Levonelle, ellaOne is unsuitable for pregnant women and women with severely decreased liver function. ellaOne is not recommended to be taken more than once in one menstrual cycle, making it different from Levonelle, which can be used numerous times in the same menstrual cycle.

The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is another emergency contraceptive method. The IUD is actually the most effective of all emergency contraceptive methods. Although IUDs are sometimes known as coils, this name comes from the past when IUDs were coil shaped. Most modern IUDs are t-shaped and made of plastic and copper. They are inserted into your womb and have two strings attached which dangle down into your vagina, making it easy to remove the IUD once it is no longer needed. IUDS work in three main ways: they prevent your partner's sperm from getting through to your womb, and into your tubes; they alter the secretions in your cervix; and they affect the womb lining, making it less likely to accept an egg.

While IUDs are highly effective many women prefer emergency contraceptive pills. This is perhaps because the IUD must be inserted by the doctor, which can be mildly painful. Some women may also dislike the idea of a device being planted inside them for a long period of time.