Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be used by a woman if she has not used contraception when having sex, or if the contraception she did use failed for some reason, and she does not want to get pregnant.

There are two types of emergency contraception: the emergency contraceptive pill and the intrauterine device (IUD).

The emergency contraceptive pill (also known as the morning-after pill or Levonelle) is available to buy from chemists without a prescription. It costs about £25, but some chemists will provide it free of charge.

You can get free emergency contraception from a GP, a GUM clinic, some accident and emergency departments (A&E) of hospitals, family planning and young people’s clinics.

You need to take the pill within 72 hours of having sex. The sooner you take it, the more likely it is to work. There is a newer type of emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex (called ellaOne), but you need to get a prescription for this pill from a doctor and be over 18.

It’s important you let the doctor or pharmacist know if you are on HIV treatment, as some anti-HIV drugs interfere with the way the emergency contraceptive pill works, and you will need to take twice the normal dose.

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic and copper device that can be fitted into your womb by a doctor or nurse within five days of having unprotected sex. You can have this done at a family planning clinic, sexual health clinic or at some GP surgeries. You will not have to pay.

The IUD stops sperm from reaching an egg and fertilising it. It is the most effective method of emergency contraception and prevents up to 99% of pregnancies.

It is suitable for women with HIV as it doesn’t contain any hormones (see Contraception). You may want to continue to use it as a long-term form of contraception. But remember that this type of contraception doesn’t prevent you passing on HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.