You can take emergency contraception in order to prevent pregnancy after you've had unprotected sex, or when you think your usual method of contraception might not have worked. There are two types:
- the emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning-after pill)
- the IUD (intrauterine device)
Where can I get emergency contraception?
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill and the IUD for free from:
- a GP surgery that provides contraception
- a contraceptive clinic (find a clinic)
- a sexual health clinic (find sexual health services)
- some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
- some young people's clinics (call 0800 567123)
You can also get the emergency contraceptive pill free from:
You can buy the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies if you're aged 16 or over, and from some organisations such as bpas or Marie Stopes. The cost varies, but it will be around £26.
Emergency pill
How does the emergency pill work?
The emergency contraceptive pill has to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It's more effective the sooner it's taken. It contains progestogen, and it works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
The emergency contraceptive pill ellaOne is a relatively new method. It can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after sex and is only available with a prescription. For more information about ellaOne, speak to a doctor or nurse.
How effective is the emergency pill?
If taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, the emergency contraceptive pill will prevent 95% of pregnancies that could be expected if no emergency contraception were used.
Eighty-five per cent of pregnancies are prevented if the pill is taken between 25 and 48 hours after unprotected sex, and up to 58% of pregnancies if taken 49-72 hours after unprotected sex. The sooner it's taken, the more effective it will be.
What else should I know?
- When you use the emergency contraceptive pill it can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, or give you a headache, tender breasts or abdominal pain.
- It can make your next period earlier or later than usual.
- There are no serious side effects.
The IUD
How does the IUD work?
The IUD can be inserted into your uterus up to five days after unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time that you could have ovulated. It may prevent an egg from implanting in your womb or being fertilised.
How effective is the IUD?
The IUD will prevent over 99% of pregnancies.
Added benefits?
If you use the IUD as emergency contraception, you can also use it as an ongoing contraceptive method.
What else should I know?
- You may feel some discomfort when the IUD is put in – painkillers can help to relieve this.
- If you use the IUD as an ongoing method of contraception, it might make your periods longer, heavier or more painful.
Contraception for the future
If you're not using a regular method of contraception, you might consider doing so in order to lower the risk of unintended pregnancy. Long-active reversible contraception (LARC) offers the most reliable protection against pregnancy, and you don't have to think about them every day or each time that you have sex. LARC methods are the injection, implant, IUS and IUD.
You can get help and advice on contraception from:
- a community contraceptive clinic
- a GP surgery (if it offers contraceptive services)
- a sexual health clinic
- young people's services
- some GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics
- the FPA helpline on 0845 122 8690
Further information
Find out about the 15 methods of contraception
Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished?
What should I do if I miss a pill?
What infections can I catch from oral sex?
