Contraception: Beyond the Morning After

Asking for emergency contraception after unprotected sex doesn’t need to be embarrassing and it doesn’t need to happen ‘the morning after’.

With three different methods of emergency contraception on offer which can be used up to five days after unprotected sex, the Kingsley Ward sexual health team are encouraging women in Southend to get the help they need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

Karen Payne, Head of Contraception and Sexual Health at South Essex Partnership University NHS Trust commented “We know there are lots of reasons women may choose not to use emergency contraception when they aren’t planning a pregnancy – including that they are happy to leave it to chance.

“There are endless myths and misconceptions about contraception and emergency contraception my team want to make sure that everyone knows the facts and where they can go for help.”

The facts

• There are three methods of emergency contraception and they can be used up to varying time limits after unprotected sex. Unprotected sex doesn’t just mean you haven’t used any contraception at all – sometimes methods can fail, for example a condom splitting.
• The two emergency hormonal pills that are available are Levonelle, which can be taken up to three days after unprotected sex, and ellaOne, which can be taken up to five days after sex.
• A third option, which is very reliable is the emergency IUD, sometimes called the coil, which can usually be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex and can then be left to act as a regular method of contraception for five to 10 years, depending on the type. It can be removed at any time, and does not affect your fertility.
• There are 15 methods of contraception, including 13 for women. These include four methods that we call long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) because once used they can be effective for between 12 weeks and 10 years. You can find out about the different methods and which might be most suitable by using our contraception advisor too http://www.contraceptionadvisor.co.uk or pop in to see one of our friendly team

Where to get contraception advice

The Kingsley Ward Centre in central Southend is open:
Monday-Wednesday 9am-8:30pm
Thursday 10:30am-8:30pm
Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 11am-1:30pm

www.thekwc.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01702 456860

And the Thorpedene Clinic in Shoeburyness is open every Monday 6:30pm-8:30pm

Both clinics offer contraception information advice and support, pregnancy testing and testing for Chlamydia Gonorrhoea HIV & Syphilis.

ENDS