Hormonal emergency contraception is better known as the 'morning after pill'. It's best used as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but can be used up to 120 hours after.
The IUD (or coil) is also used for emergency contraception, and you have five days after unprotected sex to get it fitted by a doctor. Since January 2001 you can buy the morning after pill without prescription at the chemists, and you can get it free from your doctor or family planning clinic (and some pharmacies), like any other contraception in the UK.
Women use emergency contraception (which we'll call EC from now on) when a condom had split or come off; when they forgot to take the pill or it was taken late or when they'd not used any contraception. Some take EC as a precautionary measure.
Most women know EC is less reliable in preventing pregnancy than the contraceptive pill or injections. If you are having sex regularly it's convenient as well as more reliable to use a regular method of contraception like the pill, IUD or condoms.
Most women only take EC once or a couple of times, although some do take it more. Most agree it shouldn't be taken too often.
Many women feel stupid, irresponsible, embarrassed or silly having to use EC. However, although women sometimes feel embarrassed about using EC, or worried others will see them as irresponsible, they are actually being responsible if they think they may be at risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
You can get EC from your local Family Planning Clinic, Brook clinic, Walk in Clinic or GP. Younger women don't always feel that staff treat them as if they are being responsible when they ask for EC, particularly those in rural areas.
Those who took EC before it was available from pharmacies said it was sometimes hard to find somewhere open to get it.
Some women never take EC and some are put off by stories of friends who were sick after taking it. Many worry about the side effects. However, the new form of EC (Levonelle) is less likely to cause sickness than the old method so there should be fewer problems with side effects.
Last reviewed April 2010.
Last updated April 2010.