Emergency (after sex) contraception
If you have had sex without using contraception, or you think the contraception may not have worked, it could still be possible to prevent a pregnancy:
- By taking a special pill (known as emergency contraception) within 3 days after sex (but it works better the sooner you take it).
- By having an emergency coil or IUD fitted within 5 days after sex (for this you need to go to one of the specialist sexual health clinics).
You can get the emergency contraception pill:
- Free from No Worries! young people's drop-ins and sexual health clinic.
- Free from some pharmacies. Most pharmacies sell emergency contraception but if you are under 20, there is a scheme in South Gloucestershire providing it free from many pharmacies. It is best to call before you visit to check opening times and see when the pharmacist is available.
- Free from NHS Walk-In Centres in Bristol.
- You can also get it free from your GP
Remember, it is worth speaking to a pharmacist, doctor or nurse (at any of the sexual health services or GPs, see link below) about emergency contraception however long it has been after unprotected sex.
YOU NEED TO GET TESTED FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IF YOU HAVE HAD UNPROTECTED SEX. See the Sexually Transmitted Infections testing (PDF format) section of this site.
No Worries! is a South Gloucestershire scheme that makes it easier for you to get relationships and sexual health advice and services. Even if you are under 16, all of the services listed in the leaflet are free and confidential (unless you are at risk of harm).
South Gloucestershire No Worries! services leaflet (PDF) format - an up-to-date list of free, confidential local sexual health services that you can trust
