Emergency contraception
In this section you will learn about emergency contraception
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Emergency contraception is a medicine that can stop a pregnancy from happening.
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In the section there are drawings of:
- private body parts
- people with no clothes on
The drawings are used to help you understand.
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There are no photos of real people’s private body parts on our website.
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It is ok to see these drawings because you are learning about sex and relationships.
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If you have any questions, it is good to speak to an adult you trust.
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Move down the page to find out more about emergency contraception.
If not you can learn about bodies.
What is emergency contraception?
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Emergency contraception is a medicine that can stop a pregnancy from happening after unprotected sex (penis in vagina sex).
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Unprotected sex means no contraception or condom was used when sex happened.
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Unprotected sex can also mean when the condom you used breaks or falls off.
Learn more about what to do if the condom breaks or falls off.
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People take emergency contraception when they do not want to get pregnant and have a baby.
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You need to take emergency contraception as soon as possible after sex.
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Emergency contraception only works if you take it within 5 days after having unprotected sex.
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Taking it as soon as you can makes it more likely to stop you getting pregnant.
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Move down the page to find out how to get emergency contraception.
Get emergency contraception
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You need to take emergency contraception as soon as possible after having sex.
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You can get emergency contraception for free from young people’s sexual health clinics.
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You can get emergency contraception for free from pharmacies (sometimes called chemists)
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Emergency contraception only works if you take it within 5 days after having unprotected sex (sex without contraception or condoms.)
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Emergency-contraception-stopping-pregnancy.jpg)
Taking it as soon as you can makes it more likely to stop you getting pregnant.
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Speak to a trusted adult to find out more about the best choice for you.
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Move down the page to find out about different types of emergency contraception.
Different types of emergency contraception
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There are two different types of emergency contraception.
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Emergency Contraceptive Pill
One type of emergency contraception is a pill that can be taken up to 5 days after having sex.
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Emergency Contraceptive Pill
This pill works better if you take it as soon as possible after sex.
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Emergency contraceptive pill
You can get this type of emergency contraception for free from:
- young people’s sexual health clinics
Find a sexual health service near me.
- pharmacies (sometimes called chemists)
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The Copper Coil
A second type of emergency contraception is a copper coil, sometimes called the coil or IUD. The copper coil is a small T shaped device.
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A copper coil can be fitted after unprotected sex as emergency contraception. It is put into the uterus.
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This can feel uncomfortable for some people, you can talk to your nurse or doctor if you are worried about this.
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It is important to speak to a trusted adult to find out more about the best choice for you.