Levonelle contains a hormone called levonorgestrel which is a type of progestogen hormone. You’ll be given one pill to take and it needs to be taken within three days (72 hours) to be effective, but it is advised that you take it as soon as possible.

Most women can take Levonelle however, if you’re taking certain prescribed medication, weigh more than 70kg or have a BMI higher than 26, you’ll need to seek advice and the dose may be increased, or an emergency IUD may need to be considered.

If you vomit within three hours of taking Levonelle, you may still become pregnant. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as they may suggest another dose or an emergency IUD. If you vomit after three hours, the pill will have been absorbed into the body.

You should see a doctor or nurse if your next period is more than seven days late, is shorter or lighter than usual or you have any sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen. These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy and whilst this isn’t common, it’s very serious. You should also consider visiting a sexual health clinic if you’re worried you might have a sexually transmitted infection.

ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate. You’ll be given one pill to take and you have five days (120 hours) to take it, but it is advised that you take it as soon as possible.

Most women can take ellaOne but if you have severe asthma or take certain medication, an emergency IUD may be a preferred option.

If you vomit within three hours of taking ellaOne, you may still become pregnant. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as they may suggest another dose or an emergency IUD. If you vomit after three hours, the pill will have been absorbed into the body.

You should see a doctor or nurse if your next period is more than seven days late, is shorter or lighter than usual or you have any sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen. These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy and whilst this isn’t common, it’s very serious. You should also consider visiting a sexual health clinic if you’re worried you might have a sexually transmitted infection.

An intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the coil, is the most effective method of emergency contraception.

A small plastic and copper device is fitted in your uterus up to five days after unprotected sex. Inserting the IUD usually takes around five minutes and can be a little uncomfortable for some people. Most women can use an emergency IUD.

Once fitted, you can use the IUD as your form of contraception.

You should see a doctor or nurse if your next period is more than seven days late, is shorter or lighter than usual or you have any sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen. These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy and whilst this isn’t common, it’s very serious. You should also consider visiting a sexual health clinic if you’re worried you might have a sexually transmitted infection.

See the Sexwise website for more information about IUDs.