Here are some previously asked questions from young people about emergency contraception (the morning after pill). If you have had unprotected sex or your contraception method has failed you are at risk of pregnancy. Find places to get emergency contraception in your area under the services section of this website.
Question (posted Feb 2009)
After unprotected sex with my boyfriend I took the morning after pill, 3 days later I haven’t come on my period still, so I took 2 pregnancy test one came out positive and the other negative, I’m so unsure of what to do now?
Answer
If it was 3 days following unprotected sex then the Emergency Pill is around 68% effective at that time. This means it has a chance of failing. I suggest you repeat the pregnancy test in a couple of days or go and see someone at your local Young People clinic or Family Planning clinic or go and see your doctor. For details of local clinics look under the Clinics section on this website.
Question (posted May 2009)
I came on my period 6 days after I took the morning after pill and its very light. Is this right?
Answer
If it was about the time you were expecting to have a period then It's probably fine as long as the bleeding lasted a few days. If by "very light" you mean a day or less, then it's worth doing a pregnancy test. If it is not when your period was due then it may be a little bit of breakthrough bleeding due to the emergency pill. Wait to see if a normal period comes at the right time. If not, get a pregnancy test done 2 - 3 weeks after you took the pill.
Question (posted June 2009)
How long should you come on your period after you have taken the morning after pill?
Answer
You should expect your period at its normal time. Sometimes it may be a day or so late. Some people get a few spots of blood a day or two after they take this, but do not confuse it with a period. If your period is late you need to get a pregnancy test done.
Question
Are nurses qualified to give out emergency contraception or would I need to see a doctor?
Answer
Many nurses are qualified to give out emergency contraception but not all.
Question
Hi, I had unprotected sex and I can't get to a clinic in time for the emergency contraception pill as the only clinic in my area is next open on Monday. I'm worried if I am pregnant could I get a termination without my parents knowing and can you have this done via a tablet or would it be the usual abortion treatment? Please could you help me!
Answer
There are chemists in your area who will be able to help you in this situation, their contact addresses are on this site. You can also go to any family planning clinic or GP practice - it does not have to be the one you are registered with. Emergency contraception is 98% effective, so instead of worrying about a termination of pregnancy get some emergency contraception NOW. If necessary find an adult to take you to one of the places suggested.
Good luck and do not forget to avoid being in this situation again, so talk to your boyfriend.
Question
Me and my boyfriend have had unprotected sex and he ejaculated but he wasn't sure if it went in me. 12 hours after having sex, I went to buy some emergency contraception pills. Now that I have taken them, I'm still not sure if its gonna help, would I be able to go to my GP and ask for a pregnancy test or will the emergency contraception pills affect the outcome of the result? Please help me!
Answer
Well done for getting the emergency pill so quickly, the sooner after unprotected sex you take them the more effective they are, in fact if you take them within 24 hours they are 95% effective in stopping you getting pregnant. Taking emergency contraception will not affect the outcome of the pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are free at the clinics on this website.
Question
Hello
My girlfriend and I have recently had sex. She has been on the pill for about three months, she came off it this month to have her period and the day she was due to go back on the pill we had sex, without the use of a condom. I did not climax inside her, we realised we were being stupid after about three seconds and stopped. However, I had climaxed before sex but I don't think there was any semen on my penis. My girlfriend went back on the pill that day. Can we and should we use emergency contraception? How will this affect the pill she takes already? Can the emergency contraceptive pill be given to me as she is not keen on going to you?
Answer
If your girlfriend has been taking her pill correctly she is fully covered during the pill free week in which she gets her period. Semen can be present on the penis (pre-ejaculate or pre-cum) so protection (condom ) should be used if no other method of contraception is being used. Emergency contraception should not be needed if your girlfriend is taking her pills correctly. Emergency contraception cannot be issued to you on behalf of your girlfriend.
Question
I was just wondering how much the morning after pill costs?
I have been told that it costs £20 if you are over 16 and free if you are under 16.
Answer
Whatever your age emergency contraception is free of charge from young people's clinics, family planning clinics and some GUM clinics - clinic details are on the website. Most GPs can also prescribe free emergency contraception. You can also get it free of charge from some pharmacists who have been specially trained to issue emergency contraception free to young people aged 20 or less. If you are over 16 you can buy emergency contraception over the counter in some pharmacies - it will cost around £25.
