If you have sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception method might have failed there are different types of emergency contraception available.

• The emergency contraceptive pill Levonelle - this can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after sex - the earlier it’s taken the more effective it will be in preventing pregnancy. You can get it free from the chemist, your GP, local sexual health clinic. If none of these are open when you need emergency contraception phone NHS 24 - dial 111 for your nearest out of hours provider. 

• The emergency contraceptive pill ellaOne - this can be taken 3- 5 days (72- 120 hours) after sex. You can get it free from the chemist, your GP, local sexual health clinic. If none of these are open when you need emergency contraception phone NHS 24 - dial 111 for your nearest out of hours provider. 

• A coil (intrauterine device) can be fitted up to 5 days after sex, or up to 5 days from the earliest time you could have ovulated (produced an egg) - can be fitted by your GP or local sexual health clinic.

Click here to view our video gallery and find out more about your options!