Emergency contraception
If you have had sex without using contraception or you think your contraceptive might have failed, for example you forgot to take your pill or the condom split, emergency contraception will usually stop you getting pregnant. It is basically a big dose of the hormone progestrogen. Don't try eating a packet of your normal pill however, this won't work and can be dangerous.
How long after sex will it work
The name "the morning after pill" is a little bit misleading. You have 72 hours after having unprotected sex to take the "emergency contraceptive pill" but it works better if you use it straight away.
You can also have an IUD (intra-uterine device) fitted. This can be done within 120 hours ( 5 days) of having unprotected sex. However, the IUD is not usually used on women who have not had children.
Is it harmful ?
No, emergency contraception is perfectly safe and you can use it as often as you need to. However, you should certainly not rely on it as a regular means of contraception. You should choose something more reliable like the pill, implant or injection.
What are the advantages?
- The emergency contraception pill is free.
- No one will be told you took the treatment.
- The quicker you use it, the more effective it is.
- Almost every woman can use one of the two methods.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
- Any GP or family doctor who provides contraceptive services.
- Contraception and Sexual Health clinics.
- A young people's or Brook clinic. The helpline number is 0800 0185 023.
- GUM or sexual health clinics.
- All hospital accident and emergency clinics in Fife.
- Some private clinics such as the British Pregnancy Advisory. The helpline number is 0345 304 030.
Where can I buy emergency contraception?
A progesterone only form of contraception is now available over the counter at pharmacies although you will have to pay about £20 and you must be over 16 years old to get the treatment this way.
There are also some pharmacies in the Fife area which offer free emergency contraception, these are listed on the following page.