How emergency contraception works
Emergency pills mainly delay ovulation; a copper IUD prevents fertilisation. Neither method ends an established pregnancy.
DIRECT ANSWER
An online consultation lets an EU-licensed doctor review your case and, if appropriate, issue a prescription that is valid across the EU.
Less than 4 hours on average
Prescription issued in less than 4 hours on average if approved.
EU-licensed doctors
Every case is reviewed by a licensed clinician.
Valid across the EU
Approved prescriptions can be used at any EU pharmacy.
In this article
HOW IT WORKS
From consultation to collection
- 1
Step 1
Consultation
Answer a secure medical questionnaire online.
- 2
Step 2
Doctor reviews
An EU-licensed doctor personally assesses your case.
- 3
Step 3
Prescription in less than 4 hours on average
If approved, your prescription is issued in less than 4 hours on average.
- 4
Step 4
Collect at any EU pharmacy
Use an approved prescription at a pharmacy anywhere in the EU.
Emergency contraception lowers the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works before a pregnancy is established. It is not an abortion treatment, and taking action quickly gives you more options.
How emergency pills act
Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate mainly work by preventing or delaying ovulation. If no egg is released while sperm remain capable of fertilisation, pregnancy can be prevented. An oral method cannot reliably work after ovulation has already happened, and no app or calendar can locate ovulation with certainty. This is why timing in the cycle helps the choice but should not delay access.
How the copper IUD is different
A copper intrauterine device creates conditions that prevent fertilisation and is the most effective emergency option. The World Health Organization reports effectiveness above 99% when it is inserted within 120 hours of unprotected sex. It requires a trained professional and an eligibility assessment, but it can then continue as long-acting contraception if wanted.
The treatment window
Levonorgestrel products are generally used as soon as possible within 72 hours. Ulipristal acetate can be used up to 120 hours, and a copper IUD can also be considered within five days in appropriate circumstances. “Up to” is not a reason to wait: emergency methods are generally more useful the sooner they are accessed.
When to seek help
Emergency contraception is time-sensitive. Seek a pharmacy, sexual-health service or clinician as soon as possible rather than waiting for symptoms. Urgent in-person care is needed for severe one-sided or lower abdominal pain, collapse, very heavy bleeding or a severe allergic reaction. Emergency contraception does not treat an established pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
What to prepare for a medical review
Be ready to share when each episode of unprotected sex happened, the first day of the last period, usual cycle length, the contraception that failed, current medicines and supplements, breastfeeding, and whether a period was already late. These details help a professional compare oral options with a copper IUD and explain when regular contraception can be restarted.
A calm next step
Contact a pharmacy or appropriate clinical service now, even if you are unsure which option fits. Give the exact timing of every relevant episode so the professional can compare the available methods safely.
Clinical sources used: World Health Organization emergency-contraception fact sheet and European Medicines Agency product information for ulipristal acetate.