Did you have unprotected sex and do you want to prevent a possible pregnancy? Then you can use emergency contraception. You can take an emergency pill or have an emergency coil inserted. The sooner you take action, the more options you have. The most reliable form of emergency contraception is always a copper IUD (Intrauterine Device) because it prevents the (possibly fertilized) egg cell from growing in the uterus. You can have an emergency IUD inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. A pilot project is currently underway in Ghent where you can have an emergency IUD inserted quickly and easily.
When are you likely to get pregnant?
Pregnancy is possible when you have not used contraception; or when you have used contraception but not in the right way (e.g. you forgot a pill). Sometimes a contraceptive does not work as expected (e.g. a torn condom).
You can get pregnant a few days a month. This is a few days before the egg is released, plus the day the egg is released. You can determine which days approximately, but not exactly. It is also important to know that sperm cells can survive for up to 5 days.
How long after unprotected sex can you use emergency contraception?
The sooner you take action, the more options you have and the better it works. If you have had unprotected sex, you have about 3 to 5 days to use emergency contraception. How much time you have depends on the method you use.
What are the 2 types of emergency contraception?
-
An emergency IUD (up to 5 days after unprotected sex)
-
An emergency pill or morning-after pill
-
The emergency pill containing levonorgestrel (e.g. NorLevo) must be taken no later than 3 days (72 hours) after you have had unprotected sex.
-
The emergency pill containing ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) is an alternative that you can use for up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
-
Sensoa 2025, noodspiraal.be
Why consider an emergency IUD?
A copper IUD is the most reliable form of emergency contraception. The emergency pill delays or prevents ovulation and no longer works if you have already ovulated. A copper IUD prevents the (fertilized) egg cell from growing in the uterus.
An emergency IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. The chance that you will become pregnant after inserting a copper IUD (within 5 days) is 0.2-1%. Additional advantage: you will then have up to 5 or even 10 years of reliable contraception.
How does the emergency IUD work?
The copper IUD works in two ways:
-
Copper is toxic to sperm cells. As a result, they are barely or not at all able to fertilize an egg cell.
-
The copper also makes the lining of the uterus unsuitable for implantation of a potentially fertilized egg cell.
Sensoa 2025, noodspiraal.be
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an emergency IUD?
Advantages
-
A copper IUD works better than the emergency pill. With an emergency coil, the chance of not getting pregnant is the greatest.
-
A copper IUD is hormone-free, so you have no hormonal side effects.
-
You immediately have a very reliable contraceptive for at least 5 years.
-
You don't have to think much about your contraception.
-
After the copper IUD has been removed, you can immediately become pregnant again.
-
The copper IUD does not pose an additional risk of thrombosis (clot in the vein) or cardiovascular disease.
-
You can use the copper IUD if you are breastfeeding.
Disadvantages
-
The first few months you may experience side effects: longer menstrual periods, increased or intermittent bleeding and abdominal pain. Your uterus still has to get used to the IUD.
-
Inserting the IUD can sometimes be painful.
-
You cannot control your menstruation yourself.
-
The copper IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So use a condom with new or temporary partners, if you doubt you have an STI or if you doubt your (sexual) partner has an STI. You can visit your GP for an STI test.
How does the emergency pill work?
An emergency pill is a pill that you take shortly after unprotected sex. The pill ensures that you do not get pregnant. The emergency pill delays ovulation, which means that fertilization cannot take place. The emergency pill no longer works if you have already ovulated. The sooner you take the pill, the better.
There are two types of the emergency pill: the pill with levonorgestrel that you can take for up to 3 days (including Norlevo) and the pill with ulipristal that you can take for up to 5 days (including EllaOne). The chance that you will become pregnant after using the morning-after pill is 1-2%. The pharmacist will help you determine which pill you need by asking you a few questions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the emergency pill?
Advantages
-
You don't need to see a doctor. You can get the emergency pill without a prescription from the pharmacy.
-
The emergency contraceptive pill is almost free.
Disadvantages
-
The emergency contraceptive pill no longer works if you have already ovulated.
-
When using certain medications, the emergency contraceptive pill is less effective.
-
You must use condoms until your next period.
