Emergency contraception
If you’ve had unprotected sex, emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy.
The emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the ‘morning after pill’) is available to people of all ages free of charge from a GP, family planning clinic or young people’s clinic, including Brook.
It’s also available for £24 from most chemists and in some areas pharmacists can provide it free of charge to young people. It can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex - but is much more effective if taken within the first 24 hours.
A new emergency contraceptive pill called EllaOne is now available. This can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but is only available for women of 18 or over.
An IUD (a small plastic and copper device that is fitted in the womb) can also be used to prevent pregnancy, and is effective for up to five days after unprotected sex. Specially trained doctors have to fit IUDs, so phone your doctor, family planning clinic or young person’s clinic to make an appointment.
For detailed information on emergency contraception go to NHS Direct.
Organisations that can help you find a clinic near you:
www.brook.org.uk
www.fpa.org.uk