Emergency Contraception
Sometimes things go wrong:
- Condom breaks
- Forgot to take your pill
- Had sex without any contraception.
DON'T PANIC, but you do need to act quickly if you want to prevent a pregnancy.
Don't just cross your finger and hope for the best, GET EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
What is emergency contraception?
There are 2 types, both for girls.
- Emergency contraceptive pill often called the 'morning after pill'
- Emergency intrauterine device, often called an IUD or coil.
Emergency contraceptive pill
- 1 tablet
- Must be taken as soon as possible after sex
- Can be taken up to 72 hours after sex
THE SOONER YOU TAKE IT THE BETTER IT IS LIKELY TO WORK.
Emergency IUD
- A small device fitted in to the womb by a specially trained nurse or doctor.
- You do not need to be put to sleep for this procedure and it takes about 20 minutes.
Where to get Emergency Contraception
Pharmacies
Most Island Pharmacies offer Emergency contraceptive pill FREE of charge to ALL age groups, some are even open on a Sunday!
See list for details of opening times and locations.
GP Surgeries
Most GP surgeries - you will need to make an appointment first.
Isle of Wight Sexual Health Clinic
IOW Sexual Health Clinic St Mary's Hospital, open till late most weekdays.
Please telephone for opening times on 01983 534 202 or visit www.iow.nhs.uk/shs
Youth Trust
Youth Trust, St Johns Road, Newport
Drop-in Thursdays 1500 - 1800
Emergency IUD
IOW Sexual Health Clinic St Mary's Hospital, open till late most weekdays
Please telephone for opening times on 01983 534 202 or visit www.iow.nhs.uk/shs
Some GP surgeries please ring first to check and get an appointment.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO OR WHERE TO GO PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING FOR ADVICE AND WHERE TO GO
- IOW Sexual Health Clinic St Mary's Hospital, 01983 534 202
- Chlamydia Screening Office, 0845 050 9530
- Call your sexual health nurse or doctor at your GP surgery
- Ask at any pharmacy
- Visit Connexions, Newport, IOW.
Remember if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse you may have put yourself at risk of a sexual transmitted infection (STI) as well, always get yourself checked out.
FAQ
How does it work?
The emergency contraceptive pill contains a hormone called progestogen. This is produced in your body and found in ordinary contraceptive pills.
It may
- Stop the release of an egg (ovulation)
- Stop an egg from being fertilised
- Stop a fertilised egg settling in your womb (implantation)
The emergency IUD is a tiny device made of copper and plastic.
- The copper kills sperm
- It may stop an egg from being fertilised
- It may stop implantation in the womb.
Neither of these methods are the same as an abortion as they STOP a pregnancy from happening; abortion ENDS a pregnancy that has already begun.
Is it 100% reliable?
The quicker you take emergency contraceptive pill the more reliable it is. If taken within 24hours of having unprotected sex it can be up to 95% reliable.
The emergency IUD ican be up to 99% effective if fitted within 5 days.
Will it make me ill have any side effects?
It is unlikely to make you feel ill.
If you are sick within 2 hours of taking emergency contraceptive pill you'll need to take a second dose.
It may make your next period start a bit earlier or later.
After an emergency IUD is fitted you may have tummy pains a bit like period pains
If you are at all worried please contact the sexual health clinic or your nurse or doctor for advice.
How will I know if it has worked?
If you have taken your emergency pill correctly and your next period is normal it is unlikely you are pregnant.
If you are at all worried please contact the sexual health clinic or your nurse or doctor for advice.
Can I take it more than once?
You can take the emergency contraceptive pill as many times as you need to, BUT it is much better to have regular reliable form of contraception. contact the sexual health clinic or your nurse or doctor for advice.
If you have an emergency IUD fitted you can keep this in and use as regular long term contraception.
Will it protect me from risk of pregnancy in the future?
No, emergency hormonal contraception will not protect you from a pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again.
If you keep your emergency IUD in place as contraception this will protect you from risk of pregnancy.
Can someone else get the emergency contraceptive pill for me?
No.