If you have had unprotected sex, or you are worried that your contraception has failed, there are two methods of emergency contraception you can use:

• the emergency contraceptive pill (also known as the morning after pill), and
• the copper IUD (intrauterine device).

Both methods are very effective at preventing pregnancy if used soon after unprotected sex.

Emergency contraceptive pill

The emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to three days after sex, and prevents up to 95% of pregnancies if taken within 24 hours. However, the later the emergency contraceptive pill is taken, the lower the chance of success.

The emergency contraceptive pill is available free of charge from your GP and family planning clinics. A number of community pharmacists can also prescribe it to those who are under 18 years of age - including teenagers who are under 16. It can also be bought over the counter at pharmacies for around