Emergency contraception can stop a pregnancy happening after sex without contraception, if contraception fails or it is used incorrectly.
There are two emergency contraception options:
- Emergency IUD (copper coil)
- Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) – sometimes known as ‘the morning after pill’
It is best to access emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
The healthcare professional you see for emergency contraception will assess whether you need it, and which method(s) are most suitable for you.
Emergency IUD
An emergency IUD (copper coil) stops an egg implanting. It can be fitted for many days after unprotected sex/contraception failure, depending on where you are in your cycle (sometimes it is too late or not suitable to fit an emergency IUD). This requires a short genital procedure to fit the coil.
After fitting, the IUD can either be removed once pregnancy is ruled out (approximately 3 weeks) or can be kept in to act as a long term contraceptive, preventing unplanned pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC)
Emergency hormonal contraception (often referred to as ‘the morning after pill’) is a pill you can take after unprotected sex. It reduces the chance of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation. This relies on you taking the pill before you have ovulated; if the pill is taken after this time it will not be effective. It does not end an existing pregnancy and is not the same as pills for a termination.
Despite being known as ‘the morning after pill’, EHC can be taken up to 5 days after having unprotected sex, depending on the kind of pill you take.
There are two kinds of emergency contraceptive pill – Levonelle is usually taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, and ellaOne is usually within 120 hours (five days) of sex. The sooner you take emergency hormonal contraception after unprotected sex, the more effective it is.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
If you would like an emergency IUD please contact us by telephone on 0808 178 0955 (or 0300 404 2996 for Shropshire) as soon as possible after unprotected sex OR attend one of our walk-in clinics, and request an assessment for emergency contraception. After your clinical assessment, an emergency coil (if suitable), may not be fitted on the same day; this depends on availability of staff and each person’s clinical details . Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all emergency coils can be fitted in our service.
Some, but not all, GPs fit emergency IUDs.
If you would like EHC (pill), this can be accessed at all GPs, sexual health clinics, some community pharmacies and school nurses. Visit our Service Finder to find the nearest place where you can get EHC. EHC can only be given to the person it is for, so you can’t pick up EHC for anyone else, even if it is for your sexual partner.Â
Emergency contraception is free when provided under the NHS. There are also paid options available (e.g. online pharmacy chains).
What will they ask me when I go to get emergency contraception?
When you see a healthcare professional for emergency contraception you will be asked:
- When you have had unprotected sex in your current menstrual cycle
- The date of the first day of your last period
- The usual length of your cycle
- Details of any contraceptive failure (e.g. missed pills, expired coil/implant, late contraceptive injection, condom accident)
- If you’ve used any medications that may affect your contraception
- Any recent vomiting or diarrhoea
All the information you give is confidential.
After taking emergency contraception
We advise that you test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), click here to find out more about STI testing. This needs to be done at least 2 weeks after the unprotected sex. It is advised that you check a home pregnancy test 3 weeks after unprotected sex.
Find out more about how to get a free supply of condoms with our C-Card.
Consider accessing a regular method of contraception; take a look at the different options and where to access them on our Contraception page. Often, this can be started at the same time you take EHC.