Time-sensitive contraception used after sex when no contraception was used or a method may have failed. UK options include a copper intrauterine device and two types of emergency contraceptive pill.
Sources and evidence type
Manual claim and limitation notes are shown where an individual source audit is complete. Other evidence-type labels are a publisher aid awaiting source-by-source confirmation.
NHS: emergency contraceptionClinical guideline
Source design
Current public-health or clinical guidance
What it can support
Service pathways, health definitions and recommended public-health or clinical actions within its stated scope.
Important limitation
General guidance cannot assess an individual’s symptoms, exposure, medicine, contraindications or urgency.
Illustration created using generative AI; not documentary evidence.
In brief
Time-sensitive pregnancy prevention after contraceptive failure or non-use.
Act promptly: the effective window, medical suitability and next steps depend on the method and circumstances. A copper IUD is the most effective option and can usually be fitted within five days; levonorgestrel is used within 72 hours and ulipristal acetate within 120 hours. Professional advice matters because timing, medicines and ongoing contraception can change the choice.
Timing and access
Contact a participating pharmacy, sexual-health clinic, GP or other NHS service as soon as possible. Availability and pharmacy arrangements vary across UK nations and local areas.
Do not assume it is too late without asking: a clinician can assess timing across the menstrual cycle and whether an IUD remains suitable.
Status
Detailed editorial draft
Publisher
The UK Kink Guide
Reviewed
Structured draft present; individual review date not recorded
Evidence
3 cited sources · types labelled below
Jurisdiction
UK-focused general education
Read the rest: evidence, law, safety and sources
Copper IUD
The most effective emergency option; fitted by a trained clinician and usable as ongoing contraception.
Levonorgestrel pill
An oral option taken within 72 hours, with effectiveness generally better the sooner it is used.
Ulipristal acetate pill
An oral option taken within 120 hours, with specific advice about restarting hormonal contraception.
Abortion
Care that ends an established pregnancy; emergency contraception works before pregnancy is established.
Choosing safely
Tell the professional about medicines and supplements, recent hormonal contraception, weight or BMI considerations, breastfeeding and relevant health conditions. These can affect recommendations.
If vomiting occurs soon after a pill, seek advice because another dose may be needed. Follow the specific instructions supplied.
After using it
Oral emergency contraception does not provide continuing protection for later sex. Advice on starting or resuming regular hormonal contraception differs between pill types.
Take a pregnancy test or seek review according to the instructions, particularly if the next period is late, unusually light or accompanied by concerning pain.
Separate health questions
Emergency contraception does not prevent or treat STIs. A clinic can discuss testing, hepatitis prevention or urgent HIV PEP where relevant.
Needing emergency contraception is healthcare, not evidence of irresponsibility. Consent and safeguarding support remain available if sex or contraceptive non-use was not freely agreed.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
Seeking advice after a condom breaks.
Discussing a copper IUD within five days.
Telling a pharmacist about an interacting medicine.
Following instructions before restarting a regular pill.
Taking a pregnancy test when advised after treatment.
Prepare for an appointment
Questions you could ask a professional
What possible causes should be considered?
Could medicines, treatment, pain, hormones or another condition contribute?
Which symptoms or changes would need urgent review?
What options fit my priorities, access needs and health history?
These prompts do not replace assessment and do not imply that every reader needs professional care.
Continue learning
Take the next step from definition to context.
Continue with independent guidance connecting emergency contraception to evidence, consent, safety, uncertainty and practical decisions.
The UK Kink GuideEvidence-led glossary