Emergency contraception

The ‘morning after pill’

you probably know this better as the ‘morning after pill’
the actual name of the medicine is levonorgestrel but its brand name is Levonelle™.
it can stop you becoming pregnant if you take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, if the condom you were using split, if you forgot to take your normal ‘contraceptive pill’ or you used no contraception at all. The sooner you take it after unprotected sex the more effective it will be
if it is more than 72 hours since you had unprotected sex you should visit your local contraceptive and sexual health (CaSH) clinic, or contact your GP surgery as you may need a different treatment. You should see them as soon as possible. To find out where your nearest clinic is ring 01274 200024.

You can get emergency contraception from:

you might be sick after taking the tablet. If this happens within three hours of taking the tablet you should go back to the place you got the tablet from more advice.
the timing of your next period may change. It may be earlier or later, but should usually happen within three days of when you expect it. If not, you should see your GP or call 01274 200024 for further advice.

if your next period is late, lighter or more painful than usual you should go and see your GP
seek advice on the regular use of contraception – this website is a good place to start
seek advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Again, this website is useful.

An emergency coil (IUD) can also be fitted within five days of unprotected sex.

you probably know this better as the ‘morning after pill’
the actual name of the medicine is levonorgestrel but its brand name is Levonelle™
it can stop you becoming pregnant if you take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, if the condom you were using split or if you forgot to take your normal ‘contraceptive pill’. The sooner you take it after unprotected sex the more effective it will be
if it is more than 72 hours since you had unprotected sex you should visit your local contraceptive and sexual health (CaSH) clinic, or contact your GP surgery as you may need a different treatment. You should see them as soon as possible. To find out where your nearest clinic is ring 01274 200024.

You can get emergency contraception from:

your own GP
one of these pharmacies – it is FREE to under 25s. Please phone the pharmacy before you go to check that there is someone on duty who is able to give you the morning after pill. You can also download this information as a pdf document (please note that this updated regularly)
Any one of the sexual health clinics (on the map below):

you might be sick after taking the tablet. If this happens within three hours of taking the tablet you should go back to the place you got the tablet from more advice
the timing of your next period may change. It may be earlier or later, but should usually happen within three days of when you expect it. If not, you should see your GP or call 01274 200024 for further advice.

if your next period is late, lighter or more painful than usual you should go and see your GP
seek advice on the regular use of contraception – this website is a good place to start
seek advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Again, this website is useful.

An emergency coil (IUD) can also be fitted within five days of unprotected sex.