Emergency contraception
On this page
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after you’ve had sex.
It can be used when you’ve had unprotected sex, or if your contraception has failed - such as a missed a pill, late injection or patch, or if a condom has burst.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception:
- should never be used as an alternative to normal contraception
- should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure
- doesn’t protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
There are 2 types:
- Emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning after pill) - available of charge from most community pharmacies and GP practices.
- Copper coil (IUD) - emergency copper coil fittings are available from some GP practices or via sexual health clinics. If your own GP practice is unable to insert the emergency copper coil, it may be available from another GP practice in your area.
Important: Emergency contraception information at NHS inform
See more information at NHS inform about the different types of emergency contraception, including effective rates, or if you have had unprotected sex and are concerned about this.
Read more about emergency contraception at NHS inform