Emergency contraception

If you have had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception may have failed, you may be able to use emergency contraception. If you act quickly, this can usually prevent pregnancy.

• The two types of emergency contraception
• Where to get emergency contraception
• Confidentiality
• Side effects
• Emergency only

The two types of emergency contraception

• Emergency contraception pills (sometimes called 'morning after' pills). These must be started within 3 days (72 hours) from the time you had unprotected sex. They are very effective if taken within the first 24 hours.
• Emergency IUD (coil), which can be fitted up to 5 days from the time you had sex. Once it has been fitted, you can keep it as a regular method of contraception.

Where to get emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is mainly prescribed by a doctor but can sometimes be given out by a nurse or pharmacist by prior agreement with the doctor. It's free for women of any age (including under 16s) from:

• Any GP providing contraceptive services (not just your own).
• Community Contraception Clinics (family planning clinics).
• Brook (Brook Advisory Centres) - for under 25s only.
• Some hospital Accident and Emergency Departments.
• Some sexual health (GUM) clinics.
• From some pharmacies. Some pharmacies provide free emergency contraception to women of all ages, including under 16s. You can buy it from most pharmacies if you are 16 or over.

Confidentiality

Every consultation with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist is private and they will not tell anyone else about it without your permission, even if you are under 16.

Some GP practices will supply you with a "Confidentiality Card", which you can hand to the receptionist if you prefer not to explain what has happened.

Side effects

Side effects from emergency contraception pills are very rare. They can be used by almost all women, even those who can't use regular contraceptive pills. A doctor, nurse or pharmacist can advise you.

More than 95% of women who take emergency contraceptive pills within the first 24 hours after having sex do not become pregnant.

If you still get pregnant, the pills won't harm the baby.

The emergency IUD is almost 100% effective, but not suitable for all women. A doctor or nurse can tell you if it is suitable for you.

Emergency only

Emergency contraceptive pills are not intended for regular use, and like other contraceptive pills, do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you don't want to get pregnant, you should always use regular contraception when you have sex. Condoms offer the most effective protection against STIs and unintended pregnancies.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.