The emergency contraceptive pill is also known as the "morning after pill". It is a tablet containing progestogen, a hormone which is similar to the natural progestogen women produce in their ovaries.
You will be given 1 pill to take, which should be taken within 5 days after having unprotected sex or when your contraception might have failed.

It is more effective the sooner it is taken and is 95% effective taken within 24 hours.

You can also have an emergency coil fitted up to 5 days after any episodes of unprotected sex or when your contraception might have failed.

Click here to read more about the Emergency coil.

The Emergency pill is likely:
  • To stop an egg being released

  • Delay ovulation

  • It may also stop a fertilised egg settling in your womb (implanting)
The Emergency pill should NOT be taken as a regular contraceptive method, come in to YAS and we can discuss your contraception choices or read the website about different types of contraceptive methods.

Click here to read more about the Emergency contraceptive pill...

Return to the Contraception page