Emergency Hormonal Contraception
Emergency hormonal contraception (otherwise known as the morning after pill or the second day pill) can stop you from getting pregnant after unprotected sexual intercourse, when you missed your pill or when the condom you used split.
If one of these scenarios happened to you and you are worried you might be pregnant speak to your local pharmacy or local sexual health clinic as soon as possible. You should take Morning After Pill within 3 – 5 days (depending on type) after unprotected sex for it to be effective. Remember sooner you take it, the better!
There are two types of Emergency Hormonal Contraception available currently in the UK:
ellaOne
ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone working normally. This also works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. ellaOne has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy.
Levonelle
Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic (man-made) version of the natural hormone, progesterone, which is produced by the ovaries. Taking it is thought to stop or delay the release of an egg (ovulation). Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy. It doesn't interfere with your regular method of contraception.
Where can I get Emergency Hormonal Contraception?
Emergency contraception is not meant to be your regular form of contraception, but it can be used multiple times.
Young Newham residents aged 16-25 can prevent an unwanted pregnancy by accessing the emergency hormonal contraception pill from their local pharmacy.
Pharmacists will supply Levonorgestrel pill to young females who report an Unprotected Sexual Incident (UPSI) within the past 96 hours (4 days) or Ella One pill to young females who report an Unprotected Sexual Incident (UPSI) between 72 and 120 hours (i.e. 3-5 days ago).
If you are over 25, you can purchase emergency hormonal contraception from your local pharmacy.
Pharmacy Sexual Health Services
Find out what services are offered at your local pharmacy.
SHINE Young People’s Sexual Health Services
Shine offer clinic sessions for young people aged 21 and under.