If you have a uterus and ovaries and your sexual partner has testicles, you are at risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your usual type of contraception has failed. If this happens, you can use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
There are 2 types of emergency contraception available in Aotearoa New Zealand:
- emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)
- copper intra uterine device (IUD).
The emergency contraceptive pill is approved for use for up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, but research shows it may still work when used up to 4 days after sex. However, the sooner you take it the better.
A copper IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception and can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or within 5 days of your earliest expected date of ovulation. Talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think you might need emergency contraception.
Read more about emergency contraception.