Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is something you can use after unprotected sex (or if your regular contraception failed) to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: the emergency pill (often called the morning-after pill) and the emergency IUD (copper coil). The sooner you act, the better they work.

• Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy — it doesn't end one that's already started.
• There are two options: the emergency pill and the emergency IUD.
• The emergency pill works best within 24 hours but can work up to 3 or 5 days depending on the type.
• The emergency IUD is the most effective option and works up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
• Emergency contraception is free from sexual health clinics, GPs, and some pharmacies. You can also buy it from pharmacies.

[DIAGRAM: Comparison diagram showing morning-after pill vs emergency IUD — how each works, time window, effectiveness]

The two options

The emergency pill (morning-after pill)

There are two types:

• Levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle) — needs to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Most effective within the first 24 hours. Available free from clinics or over the counter at pharmacies (costs around £15-30 if you buy it). [CHECK: current pharmacy price]
• Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) — works for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. More effective than levonorgestrel, especially on days 3-5. Available from pharmacies (around £25-35) or free from clinics. [CHECK: current pharmacy price]

Both pills work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation — so the egg isn't released and can't meet any sperm. They're more effective the sooner you take them. Neither pill works if ovulation has already happened, which is why the emergency IUD is the more reliable option.

The emergency IUD (copper coil)

A small T-shaped copper device fitted into the uterus by a healthcare professional within 5 days of unprotected sex. It's over 99% effective — the most effective form of emergency contraception by a significant margin. It works by preventing fertilisation or implantation.

The added benefit is that once it's in, it can stay as your ongoing contraception for 5-10 years. The downside is that it requires an appointment and a fitting procedure, which some people find uncomfortable.

Where to get it

• Sexual health clinics — both the pill and the IUD, free and confidential.
• Pharmacies — the emergency pill is available without a prescription. You can buy it over the counter. Some pharmacies offer it free to under-25s through local schemes. [CHECK: current free schemes]
• Your GP — can prescribe the pill or fit an IUD, though getting an urgent appointment can be tricky.
• A&E — in an emergency, but a sexual health clinic or pharmacy is usually faster.

You don't need to be 16 to access emergency contraception. Under the Fraser Guidelines, a pharmacist or healthcare professional can provide it to under-16s if they believe you're mature enough to understand the decision.

Things people get wrong

"The morning-after pill is an abortion pill." It's not. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from happening. It doesn't affect an existing pregnancy. It's a completely different thing from the abortion pill.

"You can only use it the morning after." The name is misleading. The emergency pill can work up to 3 days (Levonelle) or 5 days (EllaOne) after unprotected sex. But sooner is always better — effectiveness drops with every hour.

"It's only for if you didn't use a condom." You can also use it if a condom broke, you missed pills, your patch fell off, or any other contraception failure. It's a backup, not a judgement.

"Using it too often is dangerous." Repeated use isn't ideal (it's not designed as a regular method), but it won't damage your health or fertility. If you're finding you need it often, it's worth talking to a clinic about a regular contraception method that works better for you.

Things people ask about emergency contraception

Will the pharmacist judge me?

They shouldn't, and most won't. It's a routine part of their job. If you feel uncomfortable, you can ask to speak to them in a private consultation room — they're required to offer this.

Does it have side effects?

Some people feel nauseous, get a headache, or have irregular bleeding afterwards. These are usually mild and short-lived. If you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the pill, you may need another dose — contact the pharmacy or clinic.

Will it affect my next period?

It might come a bit early or a bit late. If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test to be safe.

Can I take it if I'm on the pill?

Yes, but which emergency pill you should take depends on your regular contraception. EllaOne can interact with some hormonal methods. A pharmacist or clinic can advise on which option is right for your situation.

What if it's been more than 5 days?

Neither emergency pill will work after 5 days. If it's been longer, speak to a clinic urgently — options may be limited, but they can advise.

Where to get help

• Sexual health clinics — free emergency contraception (pill and IUD), no appointment needed at many clinics.
• Pharmacies — emergency pill available over the counter. Ask at the dispensary counter.
• Brook — free services for under-25s, including emergency contraception and advice.
• NHS 111 — can direct you to your nearest service, especially out of hours.

Emergency contraception is for after sex has already happened without protection, or if something went wrong — like a condom breaking. It helps stop pregnancy from starting. It does not end a pregnancy that has already begun.

The most common type is a pill, often called the morning-after pill. There are two kinds. One works for up to 3 days after sex. The other works for up to 5 days. Both work best if you take them as soon as possible — the sooner the better.

The pills work by stopping the body from releasing an egg. If no egg is released, pregnancy can't happen.

There's also a small device that a doctor or nurse can put inside the womb. This is the most effective type of emergency contraception and works for up to 5 days after sex. It can also stay in as ongoing birth control for years.

You can get the emergency pill from a pharmacy without an appointment. You can also get it free from sexual health clinics. You don't have to be 16.

Some people feel a bit sick after taking the pill, but this usually passes quickly. Your next period might come a bit early or late. If it's more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.

Emergency contraception is a backup, not a regular method. If you find you need it often, a clinic can help you find something that works better for you.