The Emergency Contraceptive Pill                                       

This page explains what you can do if you have had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours (3 days) and are worried that you might become pregnant.

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is also commonly referred to as the "morning after pill".

It can stop you from becoming pregnant if you think other forms of contraception have failed or if you did not use any form of protection whilst having sex.

When can I use it?

You can use the Emergency Contraceptive Pill up to 72 hours after having sex, but the earlier the better. There is no charge for the pill and its better to be safe than sorry.

How do I get it?

Call the Emergency Contraception helpline on 0800 49 48 47.

Calls are FREE but some mobiles might charge. You will be told what to do next when you call.

How do I use it?

You will be given advice from the healthcare worker when you collect your medication. You will take 2 pills immediately as a single dose. Some women might feel some nausea, but this is not very common. If, however you are actually sick within 2 hours of taking the pills it will not work and you will need to take it again.

How does it work?

If taken early enough it prevents fertilisation of the egg.

How do I know it has worked?

Your next period will come earlier or on time. If it comes earlier it may last longer. Any delay in your next period means you could be pregnant and you should do a pregnancy test and see your doctor.

How effective is it?

There is a small failure rate. Less than 2-4% of women using this method will still become pregnant. However compare this with the risk of becoming pregnant if you don't take the emergency pill which is 20-30% for a single exposure in the middle of your cycle (days 10-14) and between 0-10% at other times in your cycle.

What next?

It is very important to use a reliable method of contraception if you do not want to get pregnant. As its name suggests, the "emergency" contraception pill is for emergencies only and the healthcare worker will help you choose a safe method to use in the future. Using condoms in addition to any other contraceptive method you may be using will help protect you against most sexually transmitted diseases.

Other useful contacts

Brook Advisory Centres - commonly known just as Brook, are the only national voluntary sector provider of free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people under 25.

Phone 0800 0185 023 for details of nearest Brook clinic offering confidential advice for young people or visit www.Brook.org.uk.

likeitis tells you about contraception and emergency contraception; using condoms to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections; what really happens during sex; teenage pregnancy: what your options are; how to cope with puberty, peer pressure and bullying. Find out about your sexuality; information about periods. Our help and advice section also gives links to other information. Visit www.likeitis.org.uk.

Contraception Education Promotes sexual health awareness amongst young people, protects their sexual health and helps build confidence and assertiveness in sexual choices. Visit their website at www.contraceptioneducation.co.uk.

Sexwise: A FREE helpline for young people aged between 12 and 18 on matters to do with sexual health and sexuality including contraception, abortion, relationships and pregnancy. Call 0800 28 29 30 from 7am – midnight, seven days a week from anywhere in the UK. You can also visit www.ruthinking.co.uk.

Family Planning Association: Fpa’s nationwide helplines are open Monday to Friday and provide confidential information and advice on contraception and sexual and reproductive health.

You can also find your nearest family planning clinic or sexual health clinic and find out about other sexual health services anywhere in the UK.

Whatever your individual situation, you can talk it through with their fully trained and experienced helpline staff in complete confidence. Call 0845 310 1334 from 9am till 6pm. You can also visit them at www.fpa.org.uk.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service: Are you worried you might be pregnant? Are you pregnant and don't know what to do? Are you thinking about an abortion? For confidential help and advice call BPAS on 0845 730 40 30 or visit them at www.bpas.org.

NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on what to do if your feel ill, health conditions, local healthcare services, self help and support organisations including information about contraception which is FREE through the NHS. Visit their web site at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or LOCALL 0845 4647.

OTHER USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS.

Sexual Health Information Line: For information on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections call FREE 24-hours per day on 0800 567 123.

Walk in Centres: Some areas of England have walk-in centres. Most of these can supply emergency contraception pills. They have long opening hours and are open at the week-ends and bank holidays. To find out if there is a walk-in centre in your area call the fpa helpline 0845 310 1334 or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

The contacts below can offer confidential advice about family planning including contraception and safe sex.

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