If you've had sex without using contraception, or if you used a condom but it broke, you can take the morning-after pill up to three days afterwards to stop yourself becoming pregnant - although it works better the sooner you take it. You should only use this kind of contraception in an emergency because it's not as reliable as being on the pill or using condoms, and it won't protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.

When can I take the Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

The pill is effective upto 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. If it's more than three days since you had unprotected sex, you should still see your GP or family planning clinic to discuss your options. If it has been less than five days, you could have an IUD coil fitted by a doctor at your local surgery or family planning or young people's clinic to stop you getting pregnant.

How do they work? 

 The pills contain hormones, which work by stopping your ovaries releasing eggs so they can't become fertilised. It also 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).

Where can I get them from?

Emergency contraception is free from your GP or family planning clinic (ask for an immediate appointment), or you can go to your local Youth Counselling Drop-in Clinic (for 16-25 year olds, although they never turn anyone away). These ways are all free. If you're over 16, you can get it from most chemists for £20, or from your local Marie Stopes Centre for £10. Some doctors are unhappy about prescribing it though - if you find one of these doctors ask to see another one you can always phone 0207 837 4044 for information about a local clinic. 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 either.

You can buy emergency pills if you are aged 16 or over. They are also available free from some pharmacies in the UK. 

Phone fpa’s Contraceptive Education Service (CES) helpline (0845 310 1334) or NHS Direct, in England and Wales (0845 46 47) for more information on where to get emergency contraception on the NHS.

It's actually 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 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.  Emergency pills are very effective and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. They are 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.

What if I'm sick?

Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. They may give you extra pills, a medicine to stop you vomiting again or suggest having a copper IUD fitted (Method 2).

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 between taking the emergency pills 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.

If you need emergency contraception contact the Freephone 0800 318440. 

Remember that you only have 72 hours to visit your local clinic or GP.