Emergency contraception

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception can be used if a contraceptive method fails (for instance a condom splits or a pill is forgotten or taken late) or no contraception at all is used.

There are two forms of emergency contraception - either the emergency contraceptive pill or an intrauterine device (IUD).

When can I use emergency contraception?

The emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex. An IUD may be inserted up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex.

Will emergency contraception stop me getting pregnant?

If taken properly, the emergency contraceptive pill is 95% effective when taken within 24 hours. The effectiveness reduces the later it is taken within the 72 hour period. If taken 72 hours after unprotected sex it is 58% effective.The IUD is almost 100% effective.

What happens if you need emergency contraception?

You can get the emergency contraceptive pill free from your GP or family planning clinic, or local Brook (if under 25). If you are over 16, you can also buy it from most chemists.

The emergency contraceptive pill should be taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, and no later than 72 hours after.

The IUD is also available free from GPs, family planning clinics, or from Brook. You will need to check that there is a doctor or nurse available who is trained to fit an IUD. The IUD is fitted into the womb.

Some Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics and Accident and Emergency departments also supply emergency contraception but you should call them first to check.

How does emergency contraception work?

The emergency contraceptive pill may stop an egg being released or stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.

The IUD may stop an egg being fertilised by sperm or stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.

Is the emergency contraceptive pill suitable for all women?

Most women can use the emergency contraceptive pill. The doctor or pharmacist will need to ask you a few questions to make sure that they are suitable for you. You should tell them about any medicines you are taking or any illnesses that you have had.

Is an IUD suitable for all women?

Most women can use an IUD for emergency contraceptive purposes. However, if you have been at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, the IUD could cause a pelvic infection. You should discuss this at the clinic, as you may be able to have a test for sexually transmitted infections or be given antibiotics to prevent pelvic infection.

Can I get the emergency contraceptive pill for my girlfriend?

No, it is not possible to get the emergency contraceptive pill on behalf of someone else. It cannot be bought from the chemist for someone else either. This is because the doctor or pharmacist will need to ask the woman a few questions to make sure that they are safe for her to take.

Will the emergency contraceptive pill make me sick?

It is unusual for the emergency contraceptive pill to cause sickness. But if you are sick within 2 hours of taking it, it may not work and you may need to take another one. You should seek medical advice from the service that gave you the pill, your GP, family planning centre, or from Brook (if you are under 25).

If you cannot get to a service but need urgent advice, you can call the fpa Helpline to speak to a nurse.

Is it dangerous to take the emergency contraceptive pill more than once?

There is no evidence that it is dangerous to take the emergency contraceptive pill more than once. However, if you need to take the emergency contraceptive pill twice in the same menstrual cycle, you will need to seek medical advice from a doctor or clinic; the chemist will not be able to sell it to you in this situation.

Will the emergency contraceptive pill affect my periods?

Your period may come early or late. You may also experience some irregular bleeding.

If I'm on the pill and I take the emergency contraceptive pill, will it mess my pills up?

This is a complex area and you should seek medical advice, from your GP or family planning clinic, from Brook (if you are under 25) or from the service that prescribed your pill. Keep taking your pills and use condoms in meantime until you have checked it out.

Find your nearest Brook Centre here.

If you cannot get to a service but need urgent advice, you can call the fpa Helpline to speak to a nurse.

I took emergency contraception yesterday but had unprotected sex today - am I still covered?

No, the emergency contraceptive pill does not protect you from further unprotected sex. You may need to take another course of emergency contraception. You should seek advice from your GP, or family planning clinic, from Brook (if you are under 25), or from the service that prescribed your pill.

If you cannot get to a service but need urgent advice, you can call the fpa Helpline to speak to a nurse.

How do I know if it's worked?

If you do not get a normal period within 3 weeks of taking the emergency contraceptive pill, you should have a pregnancy test.

If you have had the IUD fitted, you should see a doctor or nurse 3-4 weeks later, whether or not you have had a period.