Emergency Contraception - FAQs

If you believe that your contraception may have failed (you forgot to take your pill, vomited after taking your pill, condom split), or you had unprotected sex, the emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy if you act quickly. This is because the sooner you take it the more likely it is to work.

If it has been more than 72 hours, you can have an emergency IUD fitted. This is a small device that is fitted in your uterus and is 99% effective. This device however will need to be fitted within five days following unprotected sex.

All sexual health services remain confidential, this means we will not tell anyone about your visit to any sexual health service nor will we share any information. Only in exceptional circumstances (if a doctor or nurse thinks you may be in serious danger) may your information be shared but they will always talk to you first before they tell anyone else. This applies to patients of all ages.

There are no serious side effects of using emergency contraception however it is possible that you may experience some of the following side effects:

• Feeling sick
• Dizziness or tired
• Tender breasts
• May make your period earlier or later than usual

If you use the IUD as emergency contraception you may feel some slight discomfort when it is put in however painkillers can help to reduce this.