Emergency contraception can be used to prevent unplanned pregnancy when your regular method of contraception fails, or you have unprotected sex.
The sooner you take emergency contraception after unprotected sex, the more effective it is. The window is very small: between 3 and 5 days, depending on what type you use.
There are 2 types of emergency contraception:
- The morning after pill
- The IUD (Copper coil)
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
All types of emergency contraception are available for free from:
- NHS sexual health clinics
- Most GP surgeries
- Some NHS walk-in centres
- Some online sexual health platforms like SHL.
- Some pharmacies offer it for free, and some may charge you.
Find out where your nearest emergency contraception service is here.
Yes. Emergency contraception is free, and confidential. Doctors, nurses or pharmacists will not tell your parents or guardians unless they think you or someone else is at risk of harm.
- Find out where your nearest emergency contraception service is here.
- Contact the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information on young people’s sexual health services.
The morning after pill
There are 2 types of morning after pill available:
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Pills containing levonorgestrel (brand names include Levonelle). These pills must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex for it to be effective. Depending on your weight, BMI, or if you are taking certain medications, you may need to take a double dose. Please check with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Pills containing ulipristal acetate (brand names include EllaOne). These pills must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex for it to be effective.
The morning after pill works by preventing the release of an egg in a female reproductive system, so that it can't be fertilised by sperm. You need to take the pill within either 3 days or 5 days for it to be effective.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the morning after pill, you will need to take another dose as soon as possible. Please speak to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if this happens.
Around 1-2 out of 100 women a year who take the morning after pill will become pregnant.
It is important to note that the morning after pill is not the same thing as a medical abortion.
Most people should be able to take the morning after pill, even if they cannot use other hormonal contraceptive methods. If someone is taking certain medicines or is overweight, it may not be suitable for them to take. A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will discuss whether you are able to safely take the morning after pill.
If you are breastfeeding, you will need to need to pause for some time before resuming. The length of time depends on the type of pill you have taken. Check the information leaflet or speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure.
If you are taking herbal remedies, or non-prescribed medications, you will need to speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking the morning after pill. This is because these may interfere with its effectiveness.
Generally, the morning after pill is very safe, and serious side effects are rare. Common mild side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Period-like cramping
You will need to take a pregnancy test 3 weeks (21 days) after taking the morning after pill. This is to ensure the pill has worked and you are not pregnant.
Your next period may be late, and different to your usual periods (example, heavier, lighter, shorter or longer than usual). This is normal. The morning after pill does not affect long-term fertility.
You may want to think about starting a regular method of cAddontraception. Find out the best method of contraception for you here.
Taking the morning after pill more than once in the same menstrual cycle is safe, however you will need to speak to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have taken it within the last 5-7 days. Effectiveness may be reduced depending on the type of emergency pill and you may be offered an IUD (copper coil) as an alternative.
The IUD (Copper Coil)
The intrauterine device or IUD is also known as the copper coil, which is a small, T-shaped device. It does not contain any hormones, relying on the slow release of copper into the uterus (womb).
The IUD is a small, T-shaped device containing copper, which is toxic to sperm. It is inserted into the uterus by a doctor or nurse.
You will need to book an appointment at a GP surgery or sexual health clinic to have an IUD fitted. It needs to be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner the IUD is inserted, the better.
It is over 99% effective and considered the "gold standard" of contraception. Working as soon as it’s inserted, it can remain in place for up to 10 years and does not affect breastfeeding, or other medications, including herbal and non-prescription remedies.
You can get the IUD as emergency contraception if you are certain that you are not already pregnant. A pregnancy test will be taken before the IUD is inserted.
If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding or uterine issues such as fibroids or cervical cancer, you may not be suitable for an IUD. A doctor or nurse will discuss your options with you.
After insertion, you may experience the following:
- Cramping or period-like pain
- Bleeding in between periods
- Heavier, more painful or longer than usual periods (this may improve after a few months)
- A small chance of recurring thrush
IUD risks are very rare and may include; ectopic pregnancy, the IUD dislodging, coming out or migrating, damage to the uterus, or pelvic infection.
The IUD can remain in place as a regular form of contraception, and you will be protected against unplanned pregnancy for up to 10 years. If you wish to have the IUD removed, you will need to book another appointment at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery. You should not try to remove the IUD yourself.
You will need to take a pregnancy test 3 weeks (21 days) after insertion to ensure it has been effective as emergency contraception.
You may want to consider using a barrier method of contraception such as condoms, or dental dams to prevent STIs, as the IUD does not offer protection against them.