It is recommended to take the pill as soon as possible after sexual intercourse, as the risk of emergency contraception not being able to work actually increases with time.

EHC is not as effective as regular normal hormonal contraception, and would never be recommended as a means of everyday contraception. However, the most effective emergency contraceptive is the Copper Inter Uterine device (copper coil). As well as being a regular contraceptive for women, can also be employed as emergency contraception, again up to five days following unprotected sexual intercourse. Speak to your GP or contact your nearest sexual health clinic about having a copper coil inserted, if you want to be absolutely sure.

There are two types of oral EHC available - levonorestrel 1.5mg and ullipristal 30mg tablets. You can buy either of them over the counter, or have them free here on the NHS. There are some technical differences between these two products. In order for the pharmacist to recommend the right product, you will be asked to consent to the pharmacist asking you some private questions about your menstrual cycle. We will need to know the length of time that has passed since intercourse, and relate that to when the most fertile part of your menstrual cycle is. Any medicines you are taking and your weight may also have a bearing on our choice, so we will need to know about those.

Please note: women who present having had unprotected sexual intercourse during 'mid-cycle' will be advised of the risk of failure with the EC supplied and we will refer for copper coil insertion.