Emergency contraceptive pill

What is the emergency contraceptive pill?

The emergency contraceptive (or ‘morning after’) pill is an oral tablet containing progestogen, a hormone that is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries¹. It works by delaying or stopping an egg being released (ovulation). It may also stop a fertilised egg settling in the womb (implanting).²

If taken properly, the emergency contraceptive pill is up to 95% effective when taken within 24 hours. Although it can still be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, it should be taken as soon as possible.¹

Where can I get the emergency contraceptive pill?²

The emergency contraceptive pill is available free from general practices or contraceptive clinics. It can also be bought from most pharmacies (by women aged 16 or over). Some Accident and Emergency departments also supply emergency contraception.

It is not possible to obtain the emergency contraceptive pill on behalf of someone else. The health professional will need to ask specific questions to ensure that it is appropriate for the woman to take.

Is the emergency contraceptive pill suitable for all women?¹

Most women are able to take the emergency contraceptive pill. However, it is important to tell your health professional if you are taking any prescribed medicines at the same time.

Are there any side effects with the emergency contraceptive pill?

There are no serious short or long-term effects from using the emergency contraceptive pill, although it may affect people in different ways. Some women may feel sick, dizzy or tired, or get headaches, breast tenderness or abdominal pain.¹

It is unusual for the emergency contraceptive pill to cause sickness. However, if you are sick within 2 hours of taking the emergency pill it may not have had time to be absorbed into your body and therefore will not be effective. If this is the case, it could be necessary to take another pill – you should seek medical advice from a health professional immediately.²

How will the emergency contraceptive pill affect my next period?²

Your next period may come a few days early or late. Some women also experience irregular bleeding between taking the emergency pill and their next period.

I’m on the Pill, can I continue to take this as normal after the emergency contraceptive pill?¹

If emergency contraception is used because of a missed regular contraceptive pill, a contraceptive pill should be taken again within 12 hours of the emergency pill. It is also important to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for 7 days with the combined pill and two days with the progestogen-only pill

How many times can I use the emergency contraceptive pill?¹

There is no evidence that it is dangerous to take the emergency contraceptive pill more than once. However, if it is necessary to take the pill twice in the same menstrual cycle, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a health professional.

The emergency contraceptive pill should not be used as an alternative to a regular form of contraception. To find out more about choosing the right option for you, click here²

Can the emergency contraceptive pill fail?¹

The emergency pill is very effective and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. However, in some women it fails even though the pill was taken properly, resulting in pregnancy. There is a greater risk of falling pregnant if you:

• Delay taking the emergency pill
• Vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill
• Have had unprotected sex at another time, either since your last period or since taking the emergency pill (the emergency contraceptive pill will not protect you from pregnancy if you have further unprotected sex)

An alternative type of emergency contraception to the emergency contraceptive pill is the Intrauterine Device (IUD) and more information can be found here.

Remember: Contact your health professional if you have any concerns or are worried/unsure about anything to do with your emergency contraception.