Emergency contraception stops you getting pregnant after sex without a condom, or if your usual contraception has failed (for example missed pills).
There are two emergency contraception options:
- Emergency IUD (Coil)
- Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), also known as ‘the morning after pill’
Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC)
Emergency hormonal contraception (often referred to as ‘the morning after pill’) is a pill you can take after sex without a condom (or a contraceptive failure) which vastly reduces the chance of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation.
There are two kinds of pills. One needs to be taken within 72 hours (3 days), and the other needs to be taken within 120 hours (5 days). Emergency hormonal contraception is more effective the sooner you take it.
EHC is an emergency form of contraception and should not be used as a regular method of contraception.
To get emergency contraception from our clinic, please attend our walk in service at Barking Community Hospital at any session, including during our emergency walk in sessions.
Emergency IUD
An emergency IUD requires a copper coil to be fitted within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex/contraception failure. After fitting, the IUD can act as a long-term contraceptive, preventing unplanned pregnancy for 5 year or 10 years. It is the most effective emergency contraception.
To find out more about the IUD/ copper coil click here.
To get emergency contraception from our clinic, please attend our walk in service at Barking Community Hospital at any session, including during our emergency walk in sessions.
Other ways to access emergency hormonal contraception
Most local pharmacies across Barking, Havering and Redbridge can provide emergency contraceptive pill (EHC). If you are aged 24 and under, you may be able to get this free of charge (depending on age and restrictions in your local area). Click here to find a list of pharmacies that that provide free EHC under 25s.
If you can't access this free of charge, you can purchase it from your pharmacy.
To find your nearest pharmacy that provides emergency contraception click here.
Alternatively, you can access EHC from most GP practices and some A&E departments.