Emergency help
- Could I have an STI?
Sexually transmitted infection - I think I might be Pregnant
Pregnant - I've had sex without a condom
Unprotected sex - I've been pushed into sex
Unwanted sex - I forgot to take my pill
Taking the pill
Emergency Contraception
If you've had sex without using contraception, or your contraception didn't work properly, you can still prevent an unplanned pregnancy. But you need to act fast – the emergency contraception pill is more effective the sooner you take it.
Accidents sometimes happen. If you've had unprotected sex for any reason (maybe the condom burst or you got carried away and forgot to use a condom) you can still get contraception which can stop you getting pregnant even after you've had sex.
Only girls can get emergency contraception — the best thing for boys to do is use a condom correctly every time they have sex.
If you've had unprotected sex and don't want to end up pregnant, you can take an emergency contraceptive pill (also known as the morning after pill) up to 72 hours or three days later. However, it's more effective the sooner you take it, so ACT FAST.
You can get the emergency pill from a chemist (you may have to pay) or free from your doctor, or NHS walk-in centre.
OR You can have an IUD fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. The IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is put into a girl's womb by a specially trained doctor or a nurse.
If you need emergency contraception
Option one
Go to your doctor, nurse, sexual health clinic, NHS walk-in centre or local young person's clinic. Tell them you need emergency contraception.
Option two
Ask your pharmacist for emergency contraception. However, you'll have to pay for it and it can cost up to £30.
Option three
Make an appointment to see your doctor for either emergency contraceptive pills or to have an IUD fitted. Remember, the sooner you act the better, so try to get an early appointment. If you can't get one try your local young person's clinic or ask to speak to your doctor.
Emergency pills. Fact file
Emergency contraceptive pills can either stop an egg being released from a girl's ovaries or prevent an egg that has been fertilised by a boy's sperm from growing into a baby in her womb. These pills are only for emergencies and should not be used as regular contraception. If you need regular contraception, speak to a doctor or nurse about what's right for you.
IUDs. Fact file
An IUD is a tiny plastic device that a specially trained doctor or nurse puts into the neck of a girl's womb to stop any fertilised eggs from settling and growing into a baby. It's nearly impossible to get pregnant once an IUD is in place and it can be left in for up to five years as a regular method of contraception.
Get the facts
The sooner you take emergency contraception the more likely it is to work.
You can get emergency pills for free and your doctor, nurse or clinic will not tell anyone.
It's best not to drink alcohol or take drugs at the same time you use emergency contraception in case you're sick. If you puke up the pills they won't work.
Emergency pills and IUDs won't protect you from STIs. Only a condom can do that.
Myths
Some people say you can only take emergency pills once. That's not true.
You may have heard that emergency pills make you throw up. In most cases this is not true. Very few people who take the tablets will be sick. If you are worried about this or any other side effects then speak to your pharmacist, doctor, nurse or local clinic for advice.
Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\GetParentTeaser.xslt
