Emergency contraception

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC)

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) also known as the ‘morning after pill’

EHC is often called ‘the morning after pill’ – in fact EHC can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after having sex, but the sooner you take it the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy. EHC contains a special dose of the hormone progestogen and works in a similar way to regular hormonal contraception but is not as effective. It works by:

• Stopping ovulation (release of an egg) for that month
• Stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb

Using contraception every time you have sex is the best way to reduce the risk of pregnancy. But sometimes things go wrong – a condom breaks, you forget to take a Pill, or you have sex without using contraception and regret it later.

If this happens acting quickly by sorting out emergency contraception will protect you against the possibility of pregnancy. Help is on hand - if you’re aged between 13 and 25 and you’v had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours you can get free EHC from a number of chemists across the district, as well as from your local Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH), Genito-urinary medicine (GUM) and Terrence Higgins/Brook clinics.

In our 'Where to go' section you can also find a full list of EHC venues.

Opening times vary so it’s best to call the chemist before you visit.

Another emergency contraception option

It may also be possible to get a copper intrauterine device (IUD), often known as a coil, fitted up to five days after unprotected sex as an emergency method of contraception. 

It’s fitted in your womb by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It can be removed after your next period, or you might decide to keep it fitted and use it as your regular method of contraception.

The copper IUD works by stopping an egg being fertilised or implanting in the womb.

For more information and to book an emergency appointment contact the central CaSH clinic on:

01924 327586.

Facts about emergency contraception

• If you take EHC within 24 hours of having unprotected sex it’s effective in preventing 95% of pregnancies.
• The IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.
• EHC is not the same as the abortion pill.  EHC prevents a pregnancy from happening.  The abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already started.
• There are no serious side effects, but a few women may feel a little sick, dizzy or tired after taking EHC. If you are sick within two hours of taking the pill you’ll need a second dose.
• EHC won’t protect you from STIs. If you’ve had unprotected sex there is also a risk that you could have caught an STI so it’s best to get tested. Using a condom every time you have sex is the best way to protect yourself against STIs.

Where to get EHC

You can get EHC from your local Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH), Genito-urinary medicine (GUM), Terrence Higgins/Brook clinics and your GP.

You can also get EHC from a number of local chemists – the full list of EHC venues can be found in our 'Where to go' section.