Understand the concern
Options include a copper IUD and emergency pills. They have different time windows; seek advice as soon as possible.
What assessment may involve
Tell the service when sex occurred, any further exposures, your regular contraception and medicines. Local availability differs.
Care options to discuss
The copper IUD is the most effective option. Ask which method is suitable and what ongoing contraception you need.
These are discussion points, not a prescription. Suitability and availability vary.
Practical next steps
Contact a pharmacist or sexual-health service as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Tell them when it happened, your current contraception and other medicines. The suitable option depends on timing and circumstances; do not wait for the next period to ask.
Follow-up and decisions
Ask when to restart or begin regular contraception, whether extra protection is needed and when to take a pregnancy test. Instructions differ by the emergency option used. Emergency contraception does not provide STI protection; ask about testing where relevant.
A question you may have
Is it worth asking if I am unsure of the timing?
Yes. Contact a qualified service promptly rather than deciding you are too late.
Prepare for your appointment
What to record
Tell the clinician or pharmacist when it happened and which medicines you use.
Questions worth asking
Which option is suitable given my timing and medicines?
When should I test and restart my regular method?