WHERE DO I GO FOR WEEKEND CONTRACEPTION?

Q Last week, the condom broke and I needed to get the emergency pill. But as it was the weekend, I couldn’t get it until the Monday, when it was nearly three days later. Is there any way I can get it quicker if I need it again?

Philippa says

A Yes! The morning after pill, or post-coital contraception, is available over the counter from pharmacies, many of which are open at weekends.

The sooner you can take a morning after pill, the more effective it will be. There are two types: Levonelle needs to be taken within three days, while Ellaone needs to be taken within five days of unprotected sex.

Another option is a coil (IUD), which can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex or up to five days after the earliest time when you might have ovulated, which may well be later, depending on when in your cycle you had sex. The coil needs to be fitted by a doctor.