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Emergency contraception

By Ángela Simón Sánchez1 min readUpdated October 21, 2026

In an emergency, call 112 or your local emergency number.

If the unprotected sex was within the last 5 days (120 h), a pharmacy or health center can advise on emergency contraception. The sooner it is taken the better it works, ideally within the first 72 hours.

It is normal for your next period not to be exactly as usual after taking emergency contraception. It may come early or late, you may spot before it, or the bleeding may differ in amount or discomfort.

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About this article

Written by

Ángela Simón Sánchez

Family physician and sex therapist · Seitō

Commissioned by LoveLust

Sources

  1. WHO (2021). Emergency contraception: fact sheet
  2. NHS (2024). Emergency contraception
  3. FSRH (2023). Emergency contraception guideline

This information is educational and does not replace assessment by a medical professional. LoveLust is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

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