You have been given Emergency Contraception. The following instructions will advise you further
Using Emergency Contraception
If you have unprotected sex but do not wish to become pregnant, you may need emergency contraception. (Contraception used AFTER you have already had sex).
The options are:
The “Morning-after pill” (hormonal contraception):
- Take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The earlier you take the pill, the more effective it is. There are two types of morning after pill, the levonorgestrel pill is effective up to 3 days after sexual intercourse, the other (Ella One) is effective up to 5 days after intercourse
- The morning after pill can be bought at pharmacists or supplied by UTCs, Family Planning clinics, some walk in centres and your GP
- Before you take the tablet, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the brand of pill you have been given and the side-effects from taking it. Take it exactly as you have been told
- Some women feel sick for about 24 hours after taking the pill. Some women are actually sick (vomit). If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill then either:
- Take another pill as soon as possible. (You may need to get a further prescription, or buy another pill from the pharmacy)
- OR a coil (IUCD) can be inserted – see below.
- In the month after you take the pill your period may be early, or late, or you may get some erratic bleeding
The IUCD or “Coil”:
An IUCD (or coil) is inserted by a doctor or nurse. This can be done up to five days after unprotected sex. It has the advantage of providing on-going contraception and is also more effective than taking the morning after pill. You would need to see your GP or local Family Planning Clinic to have one fitted as Urgent Treatment Centres and Walk In Centres do not provide this service.
Signs to look out for after using emergency contraception
- See a doctor urgently if you have any lower tummy (abdominal) pain or abnormal bleeding in the 2–6 weeks following use of emergency contraception
- Do a pregnancy test or see your GP if your next due period is more than seven days late
Although emergency contraception is effective, it is not as reliable as regular planned contraception. Therefore, it should only be used in emergencies, you should speak with your GP or Family Planning Clinic to arrange regular contraception.
How to seek further medical advice
If you have concerns that your, or your child’s, condition is worsening (or not improving in the way that would be expected) you should seek medical advice as follows:
- In normal opening hours please contact your own registered GP practice.
- Outside your GP’s opening hours you should phone 111 who will advise you what steps you need to take next.
- If you are unable to get advice from the above and you, or your child has urgent concerns you could re-attend the Urgent Treatment Centre you visited today. If this is not an option you could attend your nearest hospital Emergency Department (A&E).
If you have concerns that you or the patient you are caring for has a potentially life-threatening illness or injury you should call 999.
Share this...
Were you prepared for the visit today?
Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.
Am I Prepared?Related Information
What is Wellbeing?
NOUNwellbeing (noun) the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy – Oxford Dictionary definition Wellbeing, put simply, is about ‘how we are doing’ as individuals, communities and…
Read More
Burnout at work
Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…
Read More
Introduction Video
Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital
Read More
World Alzheimer’s Month – Simple tips to reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s
Simple tips for reducing risk of alzheimer’s – World alzheimer’s Month
Read MoreWas this information useful?
How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
How was your visit today?
How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals
Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.
You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.
Find Out More
News & Blog
View All
Part 2 – Delivering Information
This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.
Read More
Part 1 – Scanning QRs
This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature
Read More
Introduction Video
Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital
Read More
Burnout at work
Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…
Read More