Emergency contraception
If you have had sex without a condom or if your usual contraception has let you down, there are two types of emergency contraception that you can use.
Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
An Intrauterine device (IUD) can be fitted up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.
Where to get it?
You can get emergency hormonal contraception for free from:
- Sexual health clinics
- Family planning/ contraception clinics
- Some GPs
- Can be bought from pharmacies
Free EHC for under 19’s
If you are under 19 you can get FREE emergency contraception from certain pharmacies.
Emergency hormonal contraception (morning after pill) can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex (sex without a condom), or if your usual contraception has let you down. The sooner it is taken the more effective it is.
- Within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex it is 95% effective.
- Within 48 hours it is 85% effective.
- Within 72 hours it is 58% effective.
Having an IUD (also known as a coil) fitted can also prevent pregnancy if it is fitted within five day of having unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulation). It works by stopping a fertilised egg from implanting into the uterus. You can then continue to use the IUD as long-term contraception or have it removed during your next period, if you would prefer to use a different form of contraception.