Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when your usual method fails — a split condom, or missed pills. It is meant for emergencies only, not for regular use. The single most important thing to know is that time matters: the sooner you act, the better every option works.1

Two methods are currently available in Sri Lanka: the emergency contraceptive pill and the copper IUD (loop).

The most effective option: the copper IUD

Many people don't realise that the copper IUD (intrauterine device, or “loop”) is the most effective emergency contraception — more than 99% effective.1 A doctor inserts this small device into the womb, where it prevents pregnancy from establishing.

  • It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
  • It is the only method that still works after ovulation has occurred.
  • As a bonus, the same IUD can then stay in place as your regular contraception for up to 10 years.

If avoiding pregnancy is very important to you — or more than 3 days have passed — ask about the IUD first.

The emergency contraceptive pill

Emergency pills (sold in Sri Lanka under the brand name Postinor) contain a hormone called levonorgestrel, at a much higher dose than in regular birth-control pills. They are available at most pharmacies.

Take the pill as soon as possible — within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.1 Effectiveness falls quickly with time: taken within the first 24 hours it prevents around 95% of expected pregnancies, falling to about 58% by the third day.2

How it works: the pill works mainly by delaying the release of an egg (ovulation), so that sperm waiting in the body cannot meet one. This also means it cannot work if ovulation has already happened — which is another reason the copper IUD is the more reliable choice later in the cycle, and why “the pill worked last time” is no guarantee for next time.1

A few practical points:

  • If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, take the same dose again.
  • If you weigh over 70 kg or have a higher body-mass index, the pill may be less effective — your doctor may advise a double dose, or recommend the copper IUD instead.1
  • Side effects can include nausea, headache and temporary changes to your period.
  • If your period is more than 7 days late, do a urine pregnancy test.
  • The pill does not cause abortion and does not harm an existing pregnancy — it simply cannot prevent one once the embryo has implanted. It also does not affect your future fertility.1

(You may read online about a newer emergency pill called ulipristal acetate, which can work up to 5 days. It is not currently available in Sri Lanka, so please do not delay while trying to find it — use the options above.)

After the emergency: plan ahead

Emergency contraception protects against one episode — it does not cover the rest of your cycle. This is a good moment to start a regular method (condoms, the pill, an implant, or an IUD); in many cases regular contraception can be started straight away.1 It is also worth remembering that emergency contraception gives no protection against sexually transmitted infections — if you may have been at risk, consider getting checked.

We are always happy to talk through contraception options with you, confidentially and without judgement.

The takeaway

Act fast: the copper IUD is the most effective emergency method and works up to 5 days; the emergency pill must be taken within 72 hours and works best in the first 24. Both are safe, neither causes abortion or infertility, and neither is a substitute for regular contraception. If you need emergency contraception or advice, contact us at Sugabi Clinic — the sooner, the better.

References

  1. Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. FSRH Clinical Guideline: Emergency Contraception (March 2017, amended July 2023) [Internet]. London: FSRH; 2023 [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.fsrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/fsrh-guideline-emergency-contraception03dec2020-amendedjuly2023-11jul.pdf
  2. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Morning after pill [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/hiv-sexual-health/morning-after-pill
  3. Patient.info. Emergency contraception [Internet]. [cited 2026 Jul 21]. Available from: https://patient.info/doctor/fertility/emergency-contraception-pro