Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant if you’ve had unprotected sex or if your contraception has failed. You can usually use emergency contraception up to 5 days after you had sex. The sooner you use it, the more likely it is to work.

There are two main types: 

  • emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning after pill)
  • CU-IUD (an intrauterine device, or coil)

Emergency contraceptive pill 

There are two kinds of emergency contraceptive pill. They both work by stopping or delaying ovulation:

  • Levonelle must be taken within 72 hours of sex (3 days)
  • ellaOne must be taken within 120 hours of sex (5 days)

CU-IUD as emergency contraception 

A CU-IUD (sometimes called the coil or the copper coil) is a form of long-term contraception. It can also work as emergency contraception if it’s inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg). It may stop an egg from being fertilised or implanting in your womb.

Find out what happens when you have a coil fitted.  

If you are under 16, you can get emergency contraception, but you cannot order it online. That’s because a doctor, nurse or pharmacist will need to chat privately with you first. Try not to feel anxious. We’re here to help you and make sure you’re safe and comfortable in any decision to have sex.

Contact our information and booking line for free and confidential support and advice on 0800 328 3383.

If you’re over 16, you can use the NHS emergency contraception finder.

You can get emergency contraception from: 

  • GPs and pharmacies. Most GP surgeries and pharmacies in Derbyshire and Derby can provide the emergency contraceptive pill. A GP can sometimes fit you with a CU-IUD. You cannot get one of those at a pharmacy. 
  • Sexual health clinics. Find a local clinic using our service finder.
  • Online. You can order the emergency contraception pill online for free from our provider SH:24. Order emergency contraception using SH:24 online. 
  • Most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units.

Getting emergency contraception is confidential even if you are under 16.  However, if we believe you are at risk of harm, we might get another professional involved. This is rare and we would always discuss it with you first.

Most pharmacies in Derby and Derbyshire can provide free emergency contraception if you are under the age of 25, including both types of contraceptive pill.   

Some walk-in clinics, sexual health clinics, pharmacies, GPs and contraception clinics can also provide emergency contraception for free, no matter your age. This might vary from clinic to clinic. 

If you’re over 16, you can order the emergency contraception pill online and for free from our provider SH:24. A clinician will review your request and may text you a few questions. 

Order emergency contraception through SH:24 online.

This will depend on when you had sex, when you ovulated (or expect to ovulate) and other details about your health. A doctor, pharmacist or nurse can help you choose what’s right for you. You can also check out Contraception Choices to find out more.

There is a very small chance you may still get pregnant. Fewer than 1 in 1000 women who use the CU-IUD as emergency contraception become pregnant. The emergency contraceptive pill also prevents pregnancy in almost all cases. 

Emergency contraception can have some side effects. The emergency pill can cause tummy pain, headaches and changes to your period. It may make you feel or be sick. If you are sick within two hours of taking the pill, you will need to take another dose or have a CU-IUD fitted. 

The CU-IUD can cause side effects such as pain, infection and damage to your womb, but these are rare   . If you carry on using it for your contraception, it can sometimes give you heavy, longer or more painful periods. If you prefer, you can have it taken out once you start your next period. 

Find out more about the pros and cons of CU-IUDs.  

Remember, emergency contraception cannot prevent STIs. Make sure you get an STI test if you had sex without a condom or your condom split.