Emergency contraception

There are two forms of emergency contraception – the emergency pill and the intra-uterine device (IUD).

Emergency pill

The emergency pill can be taken up to three days after sex. If it's taken within 24 hours, it prevents up to 95% of pregnancies. The later it is taken, the lower the chance of it working successfully.

Women over the age of 16 can buy the emergency pill over the counter at any pharmacy; it costs around £25.

Women aged under 21 (including those under 16) can get the emergency pill free from many pharmacies in the city.

We suggest you phone before going to make sure the pharmacist who can dispense the pill is on duty.

Emergency contraception can also be obtained free for all ages from:

• Morley Street Family Planning Clinic (01273 242091);
• a GP (if you don’t want to see your own GP, you can ask for an urgent appointment at another surgery); or
• the out-of-hours emergency doctor (0845 456 5420) between 6pm and 8am.

Intra-uterine device (IUD)

An IUD (a copper device fitted in the womb) is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It will prevent 98 per cent of pregnancies that would otherwise have happened.

An IUD works by stopping an egg being fertilised or ‘implanting’ in the womb. It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or five days after the earliest time of ovulation.

You can also use an IUD for ongoing contraception.

Contact Morley Street Family Planning Clinic (01273 242091) to ask about having an IUD fitted.