Emergency contraception: what to do and where to go

Maybe a condom broke. Maybe you missed pills. Maybe you had sex you did not plan, or did not want. Whatever happened, you are not in trouble, and you still have options. This guide from Network One Health explains what to do now.

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The short answer

Emergency contraception lowers your chance of pregnancy after sex without protection.

• You have up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex to use it.
• The sooner, the better. It works best when used early.
• There are three options: a copper IUD (a small device placed in the womb), a levonorgestrel emergency pill, or an ulipristal emergency pill.

Do not wait to see if your period comes. Act today.

Option 1: the copper IUD

A copper IUD is a small device that a nurse or doctor places inside your womb (uterus). IUD stands for intrauterine device.

• It can be placed up to 5 days after sex.
• It lowers the risk of pregnancy by more than 99%. It is the most effective option.
• You can keep it as your ongoing contraception. It then protects you for years.
• Some medicines can weaken emergency pills. The copper IUD is not affected by them.

A clinician needs to check that an IUD is suitable for you first.

Option 2: the levonorgestrel emergency pill

This is the most common emergency pill in South Africa. It is usually one dose of 1.5 mg, taken once.

Option 3: the ulipristal emergency pill

This emergency pill works up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex (WHO Selected Practice Recommendations, fourth edition, 2025). It may work better than levonorgestrel between 3 and 5 days after sex. It is a single 30 mg tablet. You can get it from a pharmacy or clinic.

Things to know about both emergency pills

• Take them as soon as you can, ideally within 3 days (72 hours).
• They still work up to 5 days, but less well, especially after 4 days.
• They can make you feel sick. If you vomit within 2 hours of a levonorgestrel pill, or within 3 hours of an ulipristal pill, you need another dose. Go back to the clinic or pharmacy.
• They may work less well if you had other sex without protection in the same cycle.
• They may work less well if your body weight is higher. Ask about the copper IUD if this applies to you.

If you take other medicines

Some medicines lower how well emergency pills work. These include certain HIV medicines (such as efavirenz), TB medicines (rifampicin), and some epilepsy medicines.

If you take any of these, the copper IUD is the first choice. If you choose pills, you may need a higher dose. Discuss this with your clinician or pharmacist. Always tell them every medicine you take, including medicines from the last 4 weeks.

Where to get it today in South Africa

• Public clinics (primary health care clinics). Emergency pills and the copper IUD are available at public clinics. You do not need an appointment for urgent care.
• Pharmacies. Most pharmacies supply emergency pills without a prescription.
• Private doctors and nurses, including Network One Health.
• Student health clinics at colleges and universities.
• Mobile clinics in some areas.

If a pharmacy cannot help, go to a clinic. Do not let one closed door stop you.

If sex was forced

You do not have to cope alone. If you were forced to have sex, or may have been exposed to HIV, go to a clinic or emergency unit today. They can give you emergency contraception. Ask them about medicine to prevent HIV and about support services, because what is available varies by area. If you are in danger, call 10177.

What to do next

1. Start ongoing contraception. After a copper IUD, you are already protected. After a levonorgestrel pill, you can start a regular method straight away. Use condoms or avoid sex for the next 7 days (or 2 days if you start the progestogen-only pill). After an ulipristal pill, wait until the sixth day before starting a hormonal method, then use condoms for the first days of that method. Your clinician will explain the exact timing.

2. Take a pregnancy test if your period is late. If you have no period within 3 weeks, take a pregnancy test. Your next period may come a little early or late. That is common.

3. Think about HIV and STIs. Emergency contraception does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are worried, ask for an HIV test and STI check.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medicine that can lower the chance of HIV after a possible exposure. It must be started quickly. If you may have been exposed to HIV, go to a clinic or emergency unit today and ask about it. What is available varies by area.

Can I use it more than once?

Yes. It is safe. But it is not meant to be your regular method. A regular method protects you better, and we can help you find one that fits your life.

When to get help

Go to the nearest hospital emergency unit, or call 10177, if you have:

• Strong pain low in your belly
• Heavy bleeding
• Fainting or feeling very unwell

What to expect at Network One Health

We will not judge you. We will ask a few questions, check what options suit you, and help you plan what comes next. If something is not clear, ask. That is what we are here for.

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Ready to talk? Ask us to call you or WhatsApp Noma on 065 072 5315 for bookings and questions.

In an emergency, go to your nearest hospital emergency unit or call 10177.