Emergency contraception
What to do after sex without protection, or if a condom broke or a pill was missed.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- Go to a health worker or health facility as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
- After sexual assault, a health facility can also offer other care and support.
Key things to remember
- Use within 5 days of unprotected sex — the sooner the better.
- It does not cause abortion and does not harm future fertility.
- There is no age limit.
📖 Read the full lesson
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after sex without contraception, if contraception failed (for example a condom broke or slipped, or pills were missed), or after sexual assault.
The World Health Organization recommends using it within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. It works better the sooner it is used.
There are emergency contraceptive pills and the copper IUD (coil). The copper IUD is the most effective emergency method, but it is not fitted after sexual assault because of the higher risk of infection.
Any woman or girl of reproductive age can use emergency contraception — there are no age limits. It is not an abortion: it works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg, and it cannot end a pregnancy that has already started or harm a developing baby.
Side effects such as nausea, tiredness or a little irregular bleeding are usually mild and pass on their own. Emergency contraception does not harm future fertility. If you need it often, a health worker can help you choose a regular method.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Emergency contraception (fact sheet) 9 Nov 2021 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-015 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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HerHealth provides educational health information and does not provide medical diagnosis or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.