Emergency Contraception & Treatment

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or when your regular contraception may not have worked, for example a split condom or a missed pill. It is not an abortion pill and will not end an existing pregnancy.

There are two types of emergency contraception available in the UK:

• The emergency contraceptive pill (often called the "morning-after pill"). There are two kinds: one can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, and the other up to 5 days (120 hours) after.
• The copper coil (IUD), fitted by a doctor or nurse up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can then stay in as ongoing contraception.

How soon do I need to take it?

As soon as possible. Both emergency pills work best the earlier they are taken, so do not wait until the "morning after". If it has already been several days, you may still have options, and our pharmacy team can advise which is suitable.

How does the emergency contraceptive pill work?

The emergency pill works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation (the release of an egg). It will not protect you against pregnancy from unprotected sex later in the same cycle, so use a condom or another reliable method until your next period.

Things that can affect which option is right for you

• How long ago you had unprotected sex, and whether it has happened more than once since your last period.
• Your weight or BMI, as this can affect how well some emergency pills work.
• Other medicines you take, including some epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis treatments and the herbal remedy St John's Wort.
• Whether you have recently used hormonal contraception or another emergency pill.

Our online consultation asks about all of these, so the pharmacist can make sure the option supplied is safe and suitable for you.

Getting emergency contraception from Fylde Clinic

Start a short emergency contraception consultation. A member of our GPhC-registered pharmacy team reviews every request, and suitable orders are dispatched quickly in plain, discreet packaging. If an emergency pill is not the right choice for you, we will tell you and explain where to go next.

After taking emergency contraception

• If you are sick (vomit) within 3 hours of taking an emergency pill, contact a pharmacist or doctor, as you may need another dose.
• Your next period may come earlier or later than usual. Take a pregnancy test if it is more than 7 days late, unusually light or short.
• Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Consider an STI test if you are unsure.

When to seek urgent help

Get medical advice straight away if you have sudden or severe pain low in your tummy after taking emergency contraception, as this can rarely be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If you have been forced or pressured into sex, you can get free, confidential support from your GP, a sexual health clinic or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.