Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after sex without a condom or if your contraception has failed. For example, if a condom splits or you miss a pill.
If this happens, please call us on 01267 248674. We will assess you quickly and discuss the best option for you.
You can get free emergency contraception from:
- Most local pharmacies
- Minor injuries clinics
- Most GP surgeries
- Other sexual health clinics
There are two types of emergency contraception:
- The emergency contraceptive pill
- The IUD (coil)
The emergency pill should be taken within three to five days after sex. It works best the sooner you take it.
The IUD can be fitted up to five days after sex, or up to five days after the time you may have ovulated.
The IUD is the most effective option. Fewer than one in 100 people who use it will get pregnant.
For further information on emergency contraception, please visit:
You might need emergency contraception if:
- You have had sex without using contraception
- You used a condom but are worried if it split or came off
- You are using contraceptive pills / patch but are worried you have not been using it properly
- You are late getting your contraception injection (14 weeks or more since last injection)
- You have an implant, but the recommended renewal date has passed
- You had a coil, but it may have fallen out, or you can’t feel the threads
The morning after pill prevents a pregnancy from happening after unprotected sex.
The morning-after pill works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). Without an egg to fertilize, pregnancy cannot occur. It does not disrupt an existing pregnancy, nor does it work if you have already ovulated.
After taking the morning after pill, you are not protected from getting pregnant. You should always use additional contraception such as condoms.
Please ask a member of staff for more advice and information. They can tell you when to start using your usual contraception again after taking the morning after pill.
You should also take a pregnancy test 21 days after the unprotected sex occurred, or immediately if your period is more than 7 days late.
You can take the morning after pill at any age including if you are under 16 years of age.
Any conversations or visits to our sexual health clinic is completely confidential. We won’t tell your parents or anyone else unless we are worried about you.
No. Emergency contraception has a short effect on your body and won’t affect your fertility. The morning after pill may cause your next period to occur sooner, later or to be heavier than usual.
The morning after pill was developed for emergency use only. It is not made for continued use.
If you find that you are taking the morning after pill on a regular basis, then please contact our sexual health clinic. We will discuss with you about your health and lifestyle, and we can recommend a better form of contraception for you.
It is unlikely that you would get pregnant during your period, but it is not impossible.