Need_Emergency_Contraception

NEED EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?

Your second chance

You forgot the pill, the condom broke, your diaphragm wasn't placed properly, you got your non-fertile days wrong – there are a plenty of reasons things might not go to plan with your preferred method of contraception. That's what emergency contraception is for.

Types of Emergency Contraception

There are actually two main types of emergency contraception – a pill and the copper coil (IUD).

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

Often called 'the morning after pill’ it is a pill that is designed to prevent pregnancy. There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pill both of which can be purchased direct from a pharmacy without a prescription.

The 3-day Pill

The 3-day emergency contraceptive pill contains the hormone progestogen. It works by preventing or delaying your body from ovulating or releasing an egg, thereby preventing an egg and sperm fertilising.

It should be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It is important to remember that the sooner you take it the better it will work.

The 5-day Pill

The 5-day emergency contraceptive pill contains ulipristal. It works by preventing or delaying your body from ovulating or releasing an egg, thereby preventing an egg and sperm fertilising.

It should be taken as soon as possible and within 120 hours (5 days) of un-protected sex. It is important to remember that the sooner you take it the better it will work.

The Copper Coil

A long-acting method of contraception that does not include hormones, the copper coil or intrauterine device (IUD) uses copper which is toxic to sperm and stops the fertilised egg from attaching to the womb. If inserted less than 5 days after unprotected sex, it can be effective as an emergency contracep-tive. You can then keep wearing it for up to 5 to 10 years to prevent unin-tended pregnancy.

Speak to a healthcare professional

If you have any concerns or questions about emergency contraception, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. If you did not intend to have unprotected sex, for example if the condom broke, it might also be a good idea to ask them for a Sexually transmitted infection (STI) test.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

The emergency contraceptive pill is a form of contraception used after sex as a backup, but it isn’t meant to be your regular method and shouldn’t replace ongoing contraception. If you find yourself needing them more than once, you may need to consider longer-acting contraceptives that will meet your needs.

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor or nurse.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS
DOWNLOAD YOUR LONG ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION (LARC) BROCHURE HERE
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NEED ADVICE?

Organise a visit with your healthcare professional to discuss all your contraceptive options and decide which one suits your needs best.

3 STEPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

The
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 to 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

THE
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

COCPs are tablets that may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormone progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. 

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

THE
Patch

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

The_Patch_CompareMethods

THE
Diaphragm

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Your doctor or nurse will normally conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size.

Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

THE
Ring

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring_CompareMethods

THE
Female Condom

An internal condom placed in the vagina that stops sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female_Condom_Contraception

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Male_Condom_ShortActing

THE
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone and so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning - Compare Methods

SPERMICIDE

Spermicides are Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal - Contraception Method

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. 

Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method
COMPARE METHODS

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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

  • PP-PF-WHC-IE-0055-3, DOP: July 2026