There are two types of emergency contraception - hormone pills and the IUD (coil).
Hormone pills must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. You will probably be given two pills to take immediately and two more to take 12 hours later. You should have a check up with your doctor a few weeks after taking the pill. The emergency pill is not a regular form of contraception - it is not as reliable as normal contraception and there are often unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
IUDs must be fitted within five days of intercourse taking place and can be removed when your next period starts. The IUD prevents a fertilised egg from attaching to the uterus. It is fitted by a doctor and is thought to be nearly 100 per cent effective.
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