Emergency contraception is available to women who have had unprotected sex. This includes sex without a condom or sex when a condom has split.
Most people know emergency contraception as the morning after pill but it can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex - although the sooner it is taken the more effective it is.
Even after 72 hours there are still other options available which can be effective up to 5 days after so don't let time put you off going for help.
Emergency contraception pills are available from the following places:
- High street chemists - Free of charge from many chemists/pharmacies - see download section below for a list
- Your doctor*
- Sexual health clinics*
- Family planning clinics*
* Other forms of emergency contraception after 72 hours is also available from these places.
Urgent confidential advice on sex and contraception can be obtained from:
RU Thinking helpline on 0800 28 29 30
National Contraception Hotline (providing some local information) 0845 12 28 690
Remember, if you are worried about a pregnancy resulting from unprotected sex you may also be at risk from sexually transmitted infections unless you are 100% sure your partner is not infected.
