Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception
If you have had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant, or your contraception has failed, there are two main types of emergency contraception available.
Hormonal / Emergency Pill (‘Morning after pill’)
There is only one type of emergency hormonal contraception called Levonelle which is a progestogen only pill. This is a single tablet which should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, and no later than 72 hours. [leaflet]
The Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUD) or Coil
This can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is over 99% effective. It can also provide you with ongoing contraception (if you wish).
Where can I get emergency contraception?
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill FREE from:
- Your GP
- Family Planning and Sexual Health clinics
- Young persons’ clinics
- Some Accident and Emergency departments
- Most pharmacies (only if you are aged 13 or over)
- Some GPs and Family Planning clinics will offer ‘coils’ for emergency contraception.
Contact:
You can find details of local organisations offering free emergency contraception, information and support here.