Emergency Contraception

If you have unprotected sex... 1) DO NOT PANIC 2) IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! 3) ACT QUICKLY - DON'T JUST SIT AND PRAY! 4) GET DOWN TO THE DROP IN CENTRE (or doctors) FOR ADVICE + ACTION The information below gives you options available but remember... NEXT TIME GET PROTECTION!

DON'T PANIC!

Introduction | The progesterone only emergency contraceptive pill | Coil (IUCD)
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if it is taken soon enough

The two main types of emergency contraception are emergency contraceptive pills and the coil (IUCD)

The progesterone only emergency contraceptive pill
- Must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex
- The pills may stop the egg being released, delay ovulation or prevent the egg from settling in the womb
- They are more effective the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex
- The pill is more likely to fail if: You don't take the second set of pills or take them late, you have had unprotected sex at another time since your last period or you have had unprotected sex after taking the pills
- Speak to your doctor if you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill
- Using emergency contraception regularly is not dangerous. However, it is more effective if other contraception methods are used

The Coil (IUCD)
- Is fitted within 5 days of having unprotected sex
- It works by either stopping the egg being fertilised or prevents it being implanted in the womb
- It has almost 100% effectiveness
- May not be suitable if you are likely to be exposed to sexually transmitted infections
- It is important to visit your doctor within 4 weeks of the coil being fitted

If you can't get to the TADIC, emergency contraception is available from the following places...
- GPs, family planning clinics, Brook clinics, British Pregnancy Advisory Service, and some hospital accident and emergency departments (phone first).