Emergency contraception
If you have had unprotected sex (sex without contraception) or you think your contraceptive method may have failed, you can use emergency contraception.
There are two methods:
- Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), also known as the 'morning after pill', can be taken within three days (72 hours) from the time you had unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is more effective if taken within the first 24 hours, so it's important to take it as soon as possible
- An emergency IUD (coil) can be fitted up to five days from the time you had sex. Once it has been fitted, you can keep it as a regular method of contraception
Emergency contraception is available free of charge from contraceptive and sexual health services, some student health clinics, some pharmacies and your GP. Use our Find a Service page to find your nearest places to get emergency contraception.
For more information about contraception visit www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout ›
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