Contraception Emergency Contraception

Overview

Emergency contraception is a way to lower the chance of pregnancy after sex that was unprotected, or after your usual contraception may have let you down. It is sometimes called the 'morning after pill' or 'emergency birth control'. There are two main types: emergency contraceptive pills you swallow, and a copper intrauterine device (IUD — a small device a clinician places inside the womb) that can be fitted as emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is a backup, not a regular birth control method. It does not end a pregnancy that has already started, and it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Yes, it is very common. Many people need emergency contraception at some point — because a condom split, a pill was missed, or sex happened without protection. Needing it is nothing to be embarrassed about, and health professionals help people with it every day.

Anyone who can become pregnant and has had unprotected sex, or sex where their contraception may have failed. This includes teenagers, people using hormonal contraception who missed a dose, people after vomiting or diarrhoea, and anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Fertility can still be possible during perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), so emergency contraception can be relevant for people in their 40s and early 50s too.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Emergency contraception is not an illness, so it has no symptoms of its own. The reason to seek it is simply having had unprotected sex, or your usual contraception failing.
• After taking emergency contraceptive pills, it is common to feel sick or be sick, have a headache, feel dizzy or tired, or have tender breasts. These usually settle within a day or two.
• Your next period may come a few days early or late, and you may notice some spotting or mild cramping. This is common and not usually a sign of a problem.
• After a copper IUD is fitted, it is normal to have some cramping and heavier or longer periods for a few months.

Symptoms in children

• Anyone who has started having periods could become pregnant, including teenagers. Under-16s can get free, confidential emergency contraception and advice without a parent needing to be told, although health professionals will encourage young people to talk to a trusted adult if it is safe to do so.
• Young people may feel frightened or ashamed. A calm, non-judgemental conversation with a pharmacist, school nurse, or sexual health clinic can help a lot.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, even if periods have become irregular or you have gone a few months without one. Emergency contraception can be used in your 40s and early 50s if there is a risk of pregnancy.
• Some emergency contraceptive pills may work less well for people at higher body weight, and the copper IUD is not affected by weight — a clinician can help you choose.

Causes

Main causes

• Sex without any contraception.
• A condom splitting, slipping off, or not being used for the whole time.
• A missed, late, or vomited contraceptive pill, or diarrhoea or vomiting that may have stopped your pill working.
• A late contraceptive injection, a patch or ring that came off, or a broken diaphragm or cap.
• A coil or implant that has moved or come out, or is past its replacement date.
• Sexual assault or pressure to have sex without protection.

Risk factors

• Using contraception that needs to be taken or changed regularly, which can be easy to forget.
• Being sick or having diarrhoea while using hormonal contraception.
• Taking other medicines that can interact with hormonal contraception — your pharmacist can check this for you.
• Drinking alcohol or using drugs, which can make safer sex harder to plan.
• Being in a new relationship, or a situation where condoms are not available.
• Having a higher body weight, which can affect how well some emergency pills work, though not the copper IUD.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• As soon as possible after unprotected sex — ideally within 24 hours, and at the latest within 5 days. The sooner you get help, the better it works. Pharmacies can usually supply emergency pills without an appointment.
• If you were sexually assaulted, contact a sexual health service or emergency service as soon as you feel able — support and STI prevention are time-sensitive.
• If you have severe belly pain, heavy bleeding, or feel faint after using emergency contraception.

Book a routine appointment if:

• To talk about a regular contraception method that suits you better, so you feel more in control.
• If you have side effects after emergency contraception that bother you or do not settle.
• To arrange STI testing after unprotected sex — many infections have no symptoms at first.
• To discuss the copper IUD as a longer-term contraception option if you would like something you do not have to think about daily.

Diagnosis

There is nothing to diagnose in the usual sense. A pharmacist, nurse, or doctor will ask a few simple questions: when you had unprotected sex, what contraception you use, when your last period was, and whether you might already be pregnant. This helps them work out which option is likely to work best for you. In most cases you can be given emergency contraception the same day without any tests.

Tests that may be done

• Usually none are needed before emergency contraception is supplied.
• A pregnancy test may be suggested if your last period was unusual or you might already be pregnant.
• A blood pressure check and a brief vaginal examination may be needed before a copper IUD is fitted.
• STI testing may be offered at the same visit, especially after unprotected sex or assault.

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is usually quick and private. You will be asked some questions, given clear information about how well each option works and what side effects to expect, and then offered your choice. If you choose a copper IUD, fitting takes only a few minutes and can often be done the same day at a sexual health clinic. You should be told what to do if you are sick after taking a pill, and when to take a pregnancy test if your period is late.

Treatment

There are two main approaches, and both aim to prevent pregnancy rather than end one. One is a short course of emergency contraceptive pills, which you swallow as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The other is having a copper IUD fitted by a trained clinician, which is the most effective option and can then stay in place as ongoing contraception. Which one is right for you depends on how long ago the sex was, your weight, whether you might already be pregnant, and your preferences. A pharmacist or clinician will explain the options and help you decide.

Self-care at home

• Get emergency contraception as early as you can — do not wait to see if your period comes.
• If you are sick within a few hours of taking a pill, contact your pharmacist or clinic the same day, as you may need another dose.
• Note the date of the unprotected sex and the date of your next expected period so you can take a pregnancy test if it is late.
• Use condoms until your next period, as emergency contraception does not protect against STIs and does not cover later sex.
• Be gentle with yourself. Rest, stay hydrated, and take simple pain relief for cramps if needed — ask your pharmacist what is suitable for you.
• Arrange STI testing, which is quick, often free, and usually painless.

Medical treatments

Emergency contraceptive pills are short courses of hormones that mainly work by delaying or preventing the release of an egg. They are taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and some types work for up to 5 days, though they become less effective the longer you wait. A copper IUD is a small device fitted into the womb by a clinician, usually within 5 days of unprotected sex, and it is the most effective emergency method. It can be left in place to provide years of contraception if you want. Emergency contraception is not designed for repeated use as your main method — if you find you need it often, a clinician can help you find a regular method that fits your life better.

When is surgery considered?

A copper IUD is fitted during a short clinic appointment — it is a minor procedure, not surgery, and usually takes just a few minutes. You may have some cramping during and after fitting. A clinician will check whether it is suitable for you and explain how it is removed later.

Living with this condition

Most people carry on with normal life straight after using emergency contraception. You can eat, exercise, and work as usual. Do use condoms until your next period, and keep an eye on when that period is due. If it is more than 7 days late, or much lighter or heavier than usual, take a pregnancy test and speak to a health professional.

Lifestyle tips

• Think about a regular contraception method you can rely on, so you have a backup plan already in place.
• Keep condoms handy and check expiry dates — they protect against STIs as well as pregnancy.
• Set a phone reminder for daily pills or for when an injection, patch, or ring needs changing.
• If you are sick or have diarrhoea while using hormonal contraception, check with your pharmacist whether you need extra protection.
• Be aware of medicines that can interact with your contraception — ask your pharmacist to check.
• Talk openly with partners about contraception and what you both want.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet or exercise plan needed after emergency contraception. Eat and drink normally, and rest if you feel tired or have cramps. If you are being sick, sip fluids to stay hydrated. If you are thinking about a copper IUD, a clinician will talk you through what to expect with periods, which can be heavier at first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is very common to feel anxious, embarrassed, or upset after needing emergency contraception, especially after a condom accident or a sexual assault. These feelings are valid, and they usually ease with time and support. You are not to blame, and you did the responsible thing by seeking help. If low mood, anxiety, or distressing memories are affecting your sleep, appetite, or daily life, please reach out — talking to a GP, sexual health service, or a trained counsellor can help a great deal. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis helpline in your country right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent the need for emergency contraception, but you can lower the chances. Choosing a contraception method you do not have to think about every day — such as an implant, injection, or IUD — reduces the risk of accidents. Using condoms correctly every time protects against both pregnancy and STIs. It also helps to know in advance where you can get emergency contraception quickly, so you are not scrambling at the last minute. Nobody should feel judged for planning ahead like this — it is simply good self-care.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for emergency contraception. Vaccines are, however, an important part of sexual health — for example, vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. Ask your local health service whether these are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

Emergency contraception itself does not need screening. Regular cervical screening, STI testing after unprotected sex, and routine sexual health check-ups are separate but important. Your local health service can tell you when you are due for cervical screening and how often to test for STIs.

Complications

If left untreated

• Unintended pregnancy, which may be more likely the longer you wait to get emergency contraception.
• Untreated sexually transmitted infections, many of which have no symptoms at first but can cause long-term problems if missed.
• If a pregnancy does occur outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy), this is rare but serious and needs urgent medical care — severe one-sided belly pain with bleeding or feeling faint should never be ignored.
• Emotional distress, especially after a sexual assault, if support is not accessed.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. Emergency contraception is safe and widely used, and it works well — especially when used early. Most people have only mild, short-lived side effects, and many go on to find a regular contraception method they feel happy with. If you are worried about a late period or anything else afterwards, a simple check-up or pregnancy test can give you answers and peace of mind. Whatever has happened, you deserve respectful care and support.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.