Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant if you’ve had unprotected sex or if your contraception has failed. You can usually use emergency contraception up to 5 days after you had sex. The sooner you use it, the more likely it is to work.

There are two main types: 

  • emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning after pill)
  • CU-IUD (an intrauterine device, or coil)

Emergency contraceptive pill 

There are two kinds of emergency contraceptive pill. They both work by stopping or delaying ovulation:

  • Levonelle must be taken within 72 hours of sex (3 days)
  • ellaOne must be taken within 120 hours of sex (5 days)

CU-IUD as emergency contraception 

A CU-IUD (sometimes called the coil or the copper coil) is a form of long-term contraception. It can also work as emergency contraception if it’s inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg). It may stop an egg from being fertilised or implanting in your womb.

Find out what happens when you have a coil fitted.  

You can get emergency contraception from a number of places in Derby and Derbyshire, depending on what’s most convenient for you.

Local community pharmacies

You can now get the emergency contraceptive pill (the ‘morning after pill’) free of charge directly from many community pharmacies, without needing an appointment.

This is part of the national Pharmacy First scheme, which also includes consultations and repeat supplies of the oral contraceptive pill. Pharmacists can offer confidential advice and help you choose the most suitable option.

  • Available to women and people with a cervix of childbearing age (from their first period).
  • Those under 16 will be assessed using Fraser Guidelines to make sure they understand the advice and treatment.
  • Not every pharmacy is yet signed up, so it’s worth phoning ahead to check availability.

Find a pharmacy that offers emergency contraception – NHS

You can also get emergency contraception from:

  1. Our sexual health clinics. Our staff can advise on which option is best for you, and help you start or continue a regular method of contraception afterwards. Find your nearest clinic here
  2. GP surgeries. Most GP surgeries in Derbyshire and Derby can provide the emergency contraceptive pill. A GP can sometimes fit you with a CU-IUD. You cannot get one of those at a pharmacy.
  3. Online Services. You can order the emergency contraception pill online for free from our provider SH:24. Order emergency contraception using SH:24 online
  4. Most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units. Some walk-in centres and minor injuries units can supply the emergency contraceptive pill. You don’t need an appointment, but it’s recommended to call before attending to confirm availability.

Getting emergency contraception is confidential even if you are under 16.  However, if we believe you are at risk of harm, we might get another professional involved. This is rare and we would always discuss it with you first.

Most pharmacies in Derby and Derbyshire can provide free emergency contraception if you are under the age of 25, including both types of contraceptive pill.

Some walk-in clinics, sexual health clinics, pharmacies, GPs and contraception clinics can also provide emergency contraception for free, no matter your age. This might vary from clinic to clinic. 

If you are visiting a pharmacy for free emergency contraception, we recommend calling first to check they have the free version in stock.

If you’re over 16, you can order the emergency contraception pill online and for free from our provider SH:24. A clinician will review your request and may text you a few questions. 

Order emergency contraception through SH:24 online.

This will depend on when you had sex, when you ovulated (or expect to ovulate) and other details about your health. A doctor, pharmacist or nurse can help you choose what’s right for you. You can also check out Contraception Choices to find out more.

There is a very small chance you may still get pregnant. Fewer than 1 in 1000 women who use the CU-IUD as emergency contraception become pregnant. The emergency contraceptive pill also prevents pregnancy in almost all cases. 

Emergency contraception can have some side effects. The emergency pill can cause tummy pain, headaches and changes to your period. It may make you feel or be sick. If you are sick within two hours of taking the pill, you will need to take another dose or have a CU-IUD fitted. 

The CU-IUD can cause side effects such as pain, infection and damage to your womb, but these are rare   . If you carry on using it for your contraception, it can sometimes give you heavy, longer or more painful periods. If you prefer, you can have it taken out once you start your next period. 

Find out more about the pros and cons of CU-IUDs.  

Remember, emergency contraception cannot prevent STIs. Make sure you get an STI test if you had sex without a condom or your condom split.