Your emergency contraception choices

Time limit for use after unprotected sex: 72 hours (3 days)

Effectiveness: 99% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within 12 hours after unprotected intercourse. It is less effective on day two and day three. It will be less effective if you have already used the five day pill in the same cycle.

Available: Norlevo is available directly from pharmacists. Prevenelle and Norlevo are available on prescription from a doctor (including out of hours co–ops) or Family Planning Clinics.

Works by: Delaying ovulation in the first 14 days of your cycle.

Future protection: After using the emergency contraception pill, it’s important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the following:

• what to do if you are already using regular contraception
• when you can expect your next period
• what to do if your period doesn’t come
• a regular contraceptive option suitable for you

Cost: Talk to your doctor, Family Planning Clinic or pharmacist (chemist) about the best emergency contraception pill option for you. While you are there, it might be a good time to talk about regular contraception too.

Time limit for use after unprotected sex: 120 hours (5 days)

Effectiveness: 99.5% effective but should be taken as soon as possible. EllaOne may be less effective if you are on some hormonal contraceptives or if you have taken other emergency contraceptive pills in the same cycle.

Available: EllaOne is available directly from pharmacists (chemist). Medical card holders do not need a prescription from a doctor (including out of hours co–ops) or Family Planning Clinic.

Works by: Delaying ovulation before the peak of ovulation producing hormones.

Future protection: After using the emergency contraception pill, it’s important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the following:

• what to do if you are already using regular contraception
• when you can expect your next period
• what to do if your period doesn’t come
• a regular contraceptive option suitable for you

Cost: Talk to your doctor, Family Planning Clinic or pharmacist about the best emergency contraception option for you. While you are there, it might be a good time to talk about regular contraception too.

Time limit for use after unprotected sex: 120 hours (5 days)

Effectiveness: 99.9% effective. Can be inserted any time up to a week before your period. Most doctors prefer to do it within 5 days of unprotected sex. It can be used after you have already taken one of the emergency contraception pills.

Available: Can be inserted by specially trained doctor or Family Planning Clinics.

Works by: Preventing sperm from joining an egg and preventing the fertilised egg from attaching to the uterus. The copper coil is effective even after ovulation has occurred, unlike the three and five day pill.

Future protection: Can be left in the uterus for up to 10 years as a regular method of contraception. This will depend on the type of IUD you have had inserted. Usually the IUD will work over the course of five years. It can be removed if required at your next period.

Cost: Copper coils are cost effective. The copper coil can cost between €25-30. The insertion fee can range from €100-200.