Emergency Contraception

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use when:

  • You've had sex without using contraception, or if you used a condom but it broke within the last 3 days. For 3-5 days you can have an IUD coil fitted.

  • It works better the sooner you take it. 

  • Use only in an emergency - it's not as reliable as the pill or condoms, and it won't protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.

 

How it works

It puts a slippery coating on your womb so that if a fertilised egg does get released, it cannot stick to it (and so won't develop into a baby).

The pills contain hormones, which stop your ovaries releasing eggs. 

 

What is it like?

It can be a pack of two pills, you take the first as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, and the second exactly 12 hours after the first. 

The type most commonly prescribed now is a single pill sold under the brand name Levonelle.

The pills have few side effects, although some women feel nauseated (or are even sick) after taking the pills.


Can they fail?

The emergency contraception pill only has a 2% failure rate.  

Most effective if the first pill is taken within 24 hours. 

They are most likely to fail if:

  • you take the first pill more than 72 hours after unprotected sex
  • you vomit within three hours of taking the pills
  • you forget to take the second pill or take it very late
  • you have had unprotected sex at another time, either since your last period or since taking the pills.

Get the morning-after pill:

For free: ask for an immediate appointment at:

  • GP 
  • Family planning clinic
  • Youth Counselling Drop-in Clinic (16-25 yr olds, although they never turn anyone away). 

If you're over 16:

  • most chemists - £20
  • Marie Stopes Centre - £10.  

Be ready to pay but many pharmacies will now give it to you for free if you fill in a short questionnaire.

If you can't get to a doctors or clinic or shop (bank holiday, Christmas day...) then you can go to the hospital. Expect a long wait, and don't expect any sympathy.

 

FPA’s Contraceptive Education Service (CES) helpline 0845 310 1334

NHS Direct, in England and Wales 0845 46 47

 

FAQs:

Will the pills affect my period?

Your period may come earlier than expected or it may be up to a week late. Mostly, it comes within a few days of when you would expect it. You may experience some irregular bleeding or spotting between taking the emergency pill and getting your next period.

 

Do I need to see a doctor or nurse after I've taken the pills?

Not usually, but do go and see a doctor or nurse if:

  • you do not get a period within three weeks
  • your period is shorter or lighter than your usual period
  • you think you may be pregnant
  • you want to talk about using regular contraception.

 

How will I know if the emergency pills have worked?

If you have taken the pills correctly and your next period seems normal, it is unlikely that you will be pregnant. If you are worried, seek advice.

 

If the emergency pills fail will they harm the baby?

Emergency pills have not been shown to affect a pregnancy or harm a developing baby.

 

Can I use emergency pills regularly?

Emergency pills are not as effective as using other contraceptive methods regularly. If you do not want to become pregnant you should always use contraception when you have sex. You can take emergency pills more than once - this is not dangerous, but may disrupt your periods. If you want advice on any method of contraception ask your doctor, nurse or clinic.

 

Can I get emergency pills in advance?

Yes, if you are going on holiday or are worried about your contraceptive method failing. Ask your doctor, nurse or clinic about this.