Emergency contraception

If you have had sex without contraception, or you think it might have failed, you may be able to use emergency contraception.

How does it work?

• The emergency contraceptive pill (Levonelle) has to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It's more effective the sooner it's taken.
• The IUD can be inserted into your uterus up to five days after unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time that you could have ovulated. It may prevent an egg from implanting in your womb or being fertilised.
   

Where can I go to get emergency contraception?

You can get emergency contraception from:

• GP surgeries
• Pharmacies
• Family Planning Clinics
• Timber Hill Health Centre, Norwich

All pharmacies can provide Levonelle for a cost of about £23.50, if you are 16 years or over. However, some GPs and some Pharmacies now provide Levonelle free to women of all ages and for those GPs providing the service you do not need to be a registered patient.

For more information about how it works and how effective it is go to the NHS Choices website