Emergency Contraception - The Facts
Accidents sometimes happen e.g. a condom can split or slip off. If you have unprotected sex for whatever reason, you need to act quickly.
Females have 72 hours (3 days) to take emergency contraceptive pill. Or 120 hours (5 days) to have an IUD (coil) fitted. The sooner you act the better.
Emergency contraceptive pill is sometimes known as the Morning After Pill, after sex pill or Levonelle. This stops an egg being released or may stop a fertilised egg settling in the womb. These pills are
for emergencies only
and should not be used as regular contraception.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
What to do if you think you are pregnant If you have had unprotect sex and your period is late you may be pregnant. Signs of pregnancy can appear from about 2 weeks after conception these may include:
A free pregnancy test is available from a doctor, family planning clinic, Contraception and Sexual Health Service or they can be bought from chemists where they cost about £5 - £10 each. In most cases a pregnancy test is reliable from the first day of a missed period and shouldn't be used before as the result may not be reliable. Although not essential it is recommended that an early morning urine sample is used for the test. There are a number of options available that will need careful consideration:
For more information go to the pregnancy - your options page. |
More Information
For more information about these options, contact your local Family Planning Clinic or Contraception and Sexual Health Service or BPAS. These services provide a pregnancy counselling service which explores all options available and assists young people to decide which option is best for them. bpas (British Pregnancy Advisory Service): (024) 7622 4660 bpas Actionline: 08457 304 030
Please seek medical advice from your GP, Practice Nurse or Family Planning Clinic regarding different methods of contraception and how to use them.
