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depends which birth-control measure and how soon you used it. There are two types: the emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill) and the copper IUD (intrauterine device, or coil). Both are effective if they are used soon after unprotected sex.

Less than 1% of women who use the IUD get pregnant and this is slightly more effective than the emergency pill in preventing pregnancy.

A healthcare professional must fit the IUD within five days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex or, if it’s possible to estimate when you ovulate, up to five days after ovulation.

There are two types of morning-after pill — Levonelle, which has to be taken within 72 hours of sex, or EllaOne (120 hours after sex). The sooner you take these, the more effective they will be.

It can be difficult to know how effective the pills are as there is no way of knowing how many women would have become pregnant if they didn’t take it.

The morning-after pill is available free at your community pharmacy.