Urgent Help

Need emergency contraception after unprotected sex?

You may want to speak someone about the morning after pill if you have had;

  • unprotected sex 
  • contraception has failed 

(The morning after pill is also known as emergency hormone contraception.) 

There are two oral tablets:

  • Levonorgestrel or Levonelle – can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex
  • Ulipristal acetate or ellaOne – can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex

Both work by preventing or delaying ovulation. Emergency Contraception is free to women of all ages. You can access the morning after pill at sexual health clinics, local pharmacies and GPs. For those at school or college you can visit your school nurse. 

There is also the IUD Coil or otherwise known as the copper coil. This is a small device that is fitted into your uterus by a trained doctor or nurse. This can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.  The coil is a method of Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) and can last up to 5-10 years.  You can access the coil from GPs and sexual health clinics. The emergency IUD is the most effective emergency contraception - an emergency contraceptive pill needs to be taken as soon as possible after sex to have the best chance of working. 

 

Worried you have been sexually assaulted?

If you have been sexually assaulted or raped it is important you seek help straight away. The Ferns is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offering medical and emotional support. The Ferns is there to provide the support you need and respect your wishes.

Contact details for The Ferns:

Some further support and links:

If you want to report the assault or are in immediate danger:

- Call the local police or dial 999

Page reviewed and updated March 2020. Next Review: September 2020