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