Unprotected Sex

I've just had unprotected sex what should I do?

If you have had unprotected sex, or if you think that the form of contraception that you used hasn’t worked properly, you could be at risk of pregnancy. After unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help prevent an unwanted pregnancy developing. Emergency contraception comes in the form of a pill or an inter-uterine device (IUD). The emergency contraceptive pill (wrongly known as the “morning after pill”) can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex and the emergency contraceptive coil or IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after. Emergency contraception is more effective the quicker you act after unprotected sex. You should only use it in an emergency and not as regular form of contraception. Please note that as well as pregnancy you could be at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and should visit your local genito-urinary medicine clinic (GUM clinic) for testing.

I’ve had unprotected sex, could I be pregnant?

You are at risk of pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex and should access emergency contraception as soon as possible. The emergency contraception pill is available up to three days after unprotected sex and the IUD (coil) can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex. It is more effective the sooner you take it ideally within 12 hours of unprotected sex. If your next period is late, you should carry out a pregnancy test.

Where is emergency contraception available?

Emergency contraception (also known as the morning after pill) is available from your doctor/GP, family planning clinic and from Marie Stopes Reproductive choices.