Emergency contraception is used for preventing pregnancy when there has been unprotected sex (e.g. no contraception or expired contraception) or a contraceptive failure (e.g. a split condom or missed pills).
Worried you have missed a pill? Please check here for the combined pill and here for the progesterone only pill.
We offer the two main types of emergency contraception and your individual situation will need to be assessed when you visit us. This is an ideal time to discuss ongoing methods of contraception if you are not using
Emergency contraception pill ('morning after pill')
Emergency hormonal contraception is sometimes known as the “morning after pill” but it can actually be given up to 5 days after unprotected sex. There are two types, Levonorgestrel and Ulipristal. We can help you decide which might be most appropriate.
It works by delaying the release of an egg. This means that it only protects you for the sex you have already had. It does not prevent pregnancy if you have unprotected sex in the
The morning after pill is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Do a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant if:
- you feel pregnant
- you haven’t had a normal period within 3 weeks of taking an emergency contraceptive pill or having the emergency IUD fitted
- you started a method of hormonal contraception soon after using emergency contraception; you should do a test even if you have a bleed
The morning after pill is available through SHiP, your GP or a number of local pharmacies including:
PLYMOUTH:
Boots Drake Circus, 1 Drakes Circus, PL1 1EA
Boots, 76 New George Street, PL1 1RR
Boots, 59 Mutley Plain, PL4 6JH
Boots, 20 The Broadway, Plymstock, PL9 7AU
Alliance, 51 Mutley Plain, PL4 6JH
Superdrug, 74 New George Street, PL1 1RR
DEVON:
Well, The Quay, Ilbert Road, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1HN
Boots Pharmacy, Prince of Wales Rd, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1DX
Day Lewis, Cooksworthy Rd, Kingsbridge,TQ7 1AE
Day Lewis, 11-12 Fore St, Ivybridge, PL21 9AB
Ivybridge Pharmacy, 7 Erme Court, Ivybridge, PL21 0PS
Boots Pharmacy, 3 Erme Terrace, Ivybridge, PL21 0AL
Bere Peninsula Pharmacy, 3 Fore St, Bere Alston, PL20 7AA
Boots Pharmacy, 5-6 Duke St, Tavistock, PL19 0BA
Morrisons Pharmacy, Plymouth Rd, Tavistock, PL19 9DS
Boots Pharmacy, 25-26 Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8ET
Copper IUD (intra-uterine device)
The copper IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception. The copper released by the device prevents sperm from fertilising an egg and also will prevent implantation of a fertilised egg into the womb lining.
The copper IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or within 5 days of the earliest
It can only be inserted by trained individuals so you need to contact a service that provides this, such as SHiP or your GP.