Advice and resources : Emergency contraception

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant after unprotected sex (sex without contraception or when contraception might have failed).

It is important to get emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex and ideally within 3 days (72 hours) to maximise effectiveness.

However, options are available until at least 5 days (120 hours) after and occasionally longer depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.

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Why you might need emergency contraception

You might want to consider emergency contraception if you've had sex and something didn’t quite go to plan. Maybe you didn’t use any contraception at all, or the condom split or slipped off.

If you're on the pill or using a patch but missed a dose or aren’t sure you’ve been using it correctly, that could be a reason too. It’s also worth thinking about if your Depo Provera injection is overdue especially if it’s been more than 14 weeks. Or if you’ve got an implant that’s past its renewal date.

Even with a coil, if you suspect it’s fallen out or you can’t feel the threads, it’s best to get it checked and consider emergency options. It’s all about being safe and giving yourself peace of mind.

Types of emergency contraception

Morning after pill

The emergency contraceptive pill, sometimes called the morning after pill, can stop a pregnancy happening after sex without contraception or if contraception fails.

You need to take it within 3 or 5 days after sex, depending on the type of pill. The sooner you take an emergency pill, the more likely it is to work.

Where to get it

You can access emergency oral contraception by visiting: 

• contraception or sexual health clinics 
• pharmacies (free of charge for those under 21 years of age) 
• most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries unit 
• most GP Surgeries 

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Emergency coil

Also known as an emergency copper intra-uterine device (IUD) or emergency copper coil, this is the most effective method of emergency contraception and can also be used as ongoing contraception.

An IUD (intrauterine device), also called a copper coil, is a small plastic T-shape that a doctor or nurse puts into your womb (uterus).

Where to get it

Please contact us for same or next day telephone consultation. During this consultation, we can arrange an appointment at one of our clinics if required.

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