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Contraception, Pregnancy

Emergency Contraception: The IUD

If you’ve had unprotected sex you may be able to prevent pregnancy by using the copper coil (IUD).

There are two types of emergency contraception: The copper coil and the morning after pill.

The morning after pill works by delaying or preventing the release of an egg. There are two types of morning after pill in the UK. They are both less effective than the copper coil as they will only prevent pregnancy if ovulation hasn’t already happened. Whereas the IUD can be used to prevent pregnancy at any time during your menstrual cycle.

Continue reading to learn more about using the copper coil as emergency contraception.

If you’re unsure if you need emergency contraception you can use the risk of pregnancy calculator to help you.

Remember that if you have unprotected sex, this always puts you at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so it’s a good idea to get tested.

Quick guide

How it works

The copper coil works within five days of unprotected sex (sex without using a method of contraception e.g. condoms) to stop pregnancy from occurring.

Pros & cons

If taken within 5 days it can prevent pregnancy
If kept in it can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years
It prevents pregnancy even if you have already ovulated
Over 99% effective
Some people may find the procedure of fitting the copper coil uncomfortable

Where to get it

The copper coil must be fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse. You can get the copper coil from a range of services, including Brook, sexual health clinics and your GP. Read more

How emergency contraception works

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When the copper coil can be fitted

The copper coil can be fitted within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex or five days after the earliest time you could have ovulated.

Emergency contraception doesn’t cause an abortion. The copper coil prevents a pregnancy from happening.

Where to get an emergency coil fitted

Side effects

There are no serious short or long-term side-effects from using the copper coil. Some people may experience some, or none, of these possible side effects:

  • Periods may be heavier, more painful or last longer
  • Small risk of infection
  • Small risk of coil being pushed out

After pregnancy

You can get pregnant from as little as three weeks after giving birth and around two weeks after an abortion or miscarriage. The copper coil is safe to use when breastfeeding. Speak to your midwife, GP or a nurse at a sexual health clinic to find out if the copper coil is an option for you.

Emergency contraception FAQs

Unsure which contraception method is best for you?
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