Emergency contraception

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There are two methods of emergency contraception:

Emergency pill (also known as the morning after pill), and
Copper IUD (intrauterine device).

Both methods are very effective if used soon after unprotected sex.

Emergency pills can be taken up to three days after sex, and prevent nine out of ten pregnancies if taken within 24 hours. The later the pills are taken, the lower the success rate.

Emergency pills come in a packet of two. Both pills should be taken together as a single dose, as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

The pills are available from doctors and Family Planning Clinics, and can be bought over the counter at pharmacies for around Â£25 if you are over 16 years old.

The copper IUD is fitted in the womb by a doctor or nurse within five days of sex or the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulation). The IUD has almost a 100% success rate but is prescribed less commonly than the pills.