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Emergency contraception

Brook Thurrock

If you’ve had vaginal sex without using a condom, or your contraceptive method failed (e.g. you missed a pill or a condom split) you may be able to prevent pregnancy by using emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill or the copper coil, within five days.

Emergency contraception is most effective if you take it as early as possible.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy. There are two types of emergency contraception: the emergency hormonal contraception (sometimes called the morning after pill or emergency contraceptive pill) and the copper coil, sometimes called  the non-hormonal coil. The method you use depends on your preference and your risk of pregnancy. You can use our Risk of Pregnancy Calculator to work out what your risk is.

If you have had unprotected sex or your method failed, you also need to consider STIs

Where can I get emergency contraception?

You can get emergency contraception for free from Brook Thurrock. To get emergency contraception, phone us on 01375 800 260 to talk to a friendly member of the team.

Our Risk of Pregnancy Calculator can help you understand your emergency contraception needs and which method will be best for you. It’s really helpful if you can complete the Risk of Pregnancy Calculator before you come to the clinic and bring your results with you.

What if the clinics or phonelines are closed?

I’m unsure if I need it?

If you’ve had unprotected vaginal sex without contraception or where the condom broke or came off, emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if you haven’t ovulated.

Our Risk of Pregnancy Calculator can help you make a decision about using emergency contraception and let you know which type you’ll need.

What if it’s too late?

A copper coil (IUD) can sometimes work up to 6 days after you had vaginal sex without contraception, depending on your menstrual cycle. So if it’s been 5-7 days, it’s still worth phoning as soon as possible.

If it’s been more than a week since you had vaginal sex without contraception, it’s best to wait until three weeks after and then take a pregnancy test. We can support you with pregnancy testing and talking through your options.

What if the clinics or phonelines are closed?

Orsett Hospital Minor Injuries Unit

You can get FREE emergency hormonal contraception (the morning after pill) from Orsett Hospital. It’s usually open 10am-7:30pm every day but check their website for details of changes to hours.

More about Orsett Hospital

You can also get free emergency contraception from:

  • Phoning NHS 111 by dialling 111 – they can tell you locations that offer it for free or they can send a prescription to a local pharmacy.
  • Some pharmacies (you can call ahead and ask if they provide free emergency contraception)
  • Most sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
  • Most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
  • Most GP surgeries
  • Some hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments

Buying the emergency contraceptive pill from pharmacies

You can also buy the emergency contraceptive pill (the ‘morning after pill’) from some pharmacies and online with prices starting from around £25. Here’s a list of pharmacies in Thurrock that offer emergency contraception, but you will have to pay for it.

  • Boots, Unit 1B The Junction Retail Park, Thurrock, Essex, RM20 3LP 
  • Unicare Pharmacy, 34 East Thurrock Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SP 
  • Lodge Lane pharmacy, 31 Lodge Lane, Grays, Essex, RM17 5RY 
  • Vision Pharmacy, 11 Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, Grays, Essex, RM16 2AP 

You can use Brook’s Find a Service Tool to find other emergency contraception providers near you.