Emergency contraception is free in Scotland.Â
There are 2 types:
emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning after pill)
IUD (intrauterine device, or coil)
There are 2 kinds of emergency contraceptive pill. Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex. ellaOne has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of sex. Both pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation (release of an egg). Emergency contraception is best taken as soon as possible to be effective.
The IUD can be inserted into your uterus up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated. It may stop an egg from being fertilised or implanting in your womb.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Sources: Sexual Health Scotland ; Community PharmacyÂ