Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if you’ve had unprotected sex.
Remember the age of consent is 16 in Scotland and the UK.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
Most local pharmacies offer the morning after pill. You can also visit your nearest sexual health clinic or see your doctor.
You can use the NHS Service Search tool to find the nearest option to you.
How quickly do I need to take emergency contraception?
Although we call it the ‘morning after pill’, the emergency contraceptive pill can actually be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it is more effective the sooner it is taken.
If it’s over 72 hours since you had unprotected sex, ‘Ellaone’ is another emergency contraceptive pill that can be used to prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex.
An Intrauterine Device (IUD) can also be fitted up to five days after having unprotected sex.
How much does the morning after pill cost?
The morning after pill is free on the NHS.
If you visit a local pharmacy make sure to say that you would like to get the pill on the NHS.
Is the morning after pill safe?
The morning after pill is safe to take and will not end a pregnancy if the egg has already been fertilised.
However, the morning after pill shouldn’t be used as a regular contraceptive method, and doesn’t protect you from STIs.
If you’ve had unprotected sex you should head to your local sexual health clinic for an STI test.
Find out more about what happens when you go for an STI test.
More info
Check out more information about emergency contraception from the NHS.
If you have sex under the age of consent you still have a right to free, confidential access to healthcare including the morning after pill. Find out more about consent.