Have you had unprotected sex or think your contraceptive method may not have worked? If you are worried that you might get pregnant, you can get emergency contraception (EC), which can prevent a pregnancy.
There are three different types of emergency contraception:
- The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be fitted in your uterus up to 120 hours after unprotected sex or within five days of the earliest time you could have released an egg.
- Emergency hormonal contraception Levonelle is one pill taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
- Emergency hormonal contraception EllaOne is one pill taken within 120 hours of having unprotected sex.
How to get emergency contraception
If you require emergency contraception, please speak to your local pharmacist or your GP. If you cannot get emergency contraception there, contact us for an appointment on 0300 131 7010. When doing so, let the receptionist know that it is for emergency contraception.
- If you are 25 or under, you can access emergency contraception tablets from pharmacies for free in Nottingham City and County.
- If you are over 25 you can buy it over the counter.
If you normally get your regular contraception from your GP, then continue to do so, as your GP is contracted to provide this service.
A health professional will talk to you about your medical history, menstrual cycle and any side effects. They may also refer you for STI testing and further discussion about future contraception options.
You can access emergency contraception from either:
- Pharmacies in some areas also offer emergency contraceptive pills. Search on the NHS Choices Pharmacies website (external link) to find one near you.
- Your GP – most GPs offer contraception, ask your local surgery for details. If you do not have a GP you can find details of surgeries near you on NHS Choices GPs website (external link)
- NHS 111 – to find local services 24 hours a day, dial 111 or visit the NHS-111 website (external link)
- Primary Care 24 – this GP out-of-hours service can be accessed during evenings and weekends by appointment only. If you need to attend, please ring for an appointment by dialling 111
How will I know if my emergency contraception has worked?
A pregnancy test will be accurate if the test is done three weeks after the last time you had unprotected sex.
If you do experience any of the following it is best to do a pregnancy test:
- You have any signs of pregnancy.
- You have not had a normal period within three weeks of taking Levonelle, EllaOne, or having the emergency IUD inserted.
- You do not have a bleed when you have the seven-day break from using the combined pill, contraceptive patch or the contraceptive vaginal ring, or when you take the placebo tablets with EveryDay combined pills.
Am I protected from future pregnancy?
If you have been fitted with an emergency IUD this is effective contraception that can remain in place for up to 5 or 10 years.
Levonelle and EllaOne will not protect you from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again. Book an appointment on 0300 131 7010 to seek advice on contraceptive methods to explore options going forward.
Emergency contraception is not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly.