There are two types of emergency contraception available in New Zealand.
Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex to protect against pregnancy.
Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. A nurse or doctor can help you decide if you need an STI test.
Learn more about the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) here.
Copper IUD
Insertion of a copper IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception.
A copper intra uterine device, or IUD, is put in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
It can be inserted up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, or within five days of your earliest expected date of ovulation.
The IUD can stay in your uterus for five years or more, and it is 99% effective.
WHEN DO I NEED EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?
- you haven't used protection
- your normal contraception fails e.g. condom splits
- you have missed one or more contraceptive pills (the number of missed pills that matters depends on which type of pill you are taking and whether you take the hormone pills every day or have a monthly break)
- you have been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill
- you have missed your injection
- you have been forced to have sex without contraception.
WHERE CAN I GET an EMERGENCY COPPER IUD?
A copper intra uterine device must be inserted by an experienced nurse or doctor. You can make an appointment at Family Planning to have a copper IUD inserted.
Family Planning has clinics located throughout New Zealand. Use the clinic finder to find your nearest clinic.
