Emergency contraception in Bromley

Emergency contraception in Bromley can be obtained from:

You can also use the NHS website 'Find emergency contraception services' page to find emergency contraception services near you.

There are two main types of emergency contraception:

Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC)

The emergency contraceptive pill is sometimes called the morning after pill. There are two kinds of emergency contraceptive pill: Levonelle and ellaOne. Both work by preventing or delaying ovulation.

You can take Levonelle more than once in a menstrual cycle and it does not interfere with your regular method of contraception. It has to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex.

ellaOne may prevent other types of hormonal contraception from working a week after use and is not recommended for use more than once in a menstrual cycle. It has to be taken within 120 hours (five days) of sex.

You only take one tablet in both cases. It is thought that ellaOne is more effective than Levonelle. Both are less effective than the copper IUD at preventing pregnancy. The sooner you take either pill, the more effective it will be. Neither protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The coil (copper IUD) as emergency contraception

The IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper. It is inserted into the uterus by a trained health professional. It may prevent an egg from implanting in the womb or being fertilised.

The IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. It does not interact with any other medication and you can choose to have the IUD left in as an ongoing method of contraception.

The IUD is more effective than the emergency pill at preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex.

If you would like an IUD fitted, visit our Beckenham Beacon clinic page for more details.