Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
It is important to get emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex and ideally within 3 days (72 hours) to maximise effectiveness.
However, options are available until at least 5 days (120 hours) after and occasionally longer depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
The main types of emergency contraception are listed below.
Visit Contraception Choices for more information about Emergency contraception for more information
Why you might need emergency contraception
- You had sex without using contraception
- You used a condom but are worried it split / came off
- You are using contraceptive pills / patch but are worried you have not been using these properly
- You are late getting your Depo Provera injection (14 weeks or more since last injection)
- You have an implant but the recommended renewal date has passed
- You had a coil but it may have fallen out or you can’t feel the threads
You can get advice and access emergency oral contraception (most commonly known as the morning after pill) from:
- Contraception or sexual health clinics
- Some pharmacies (free of charge if you are under 21 years of age)
- Most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
- Most GP surgeries
Also known as an emergency copper intra-uterine device (IUD) or emergency copper coil, this is the most effective method of emergency contraception and can also be used as ongoing contraception.
Contact us for a same / next day telephone consultation; you will then be given a clinic appointment if necessary.
Please bring your referral letter if you have been to your GP.
Use our online form to book your appointment
You can call us between 10am to 2pm, throughout the week.
Please be aware our phone lines close every Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm.
Call 0300 365 7777
The Garden Clinic
Upton Hospital
Albert Street
Slough
SL1 2BJ
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12pm to 7pm |
| Tuesday | 8.30am to 4pm |
| Wednesday |
8.30am to 11am 3.30pm to 5pm (Young Person's clinic, no appointment needed) |
| Thursday | 8.30m to 4pm |
| Friday | 8.30am to 4pm |
| Saturday |
10am to 12pm (Virtual phone call clinic) |
The Garden Clinic (Community Health Clinic)
St Marks Hospital
St Marks Road
Maidenhead
SL6 6DU
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday |
5pm to 7pm (Virtual call clinic) |
The Garden Clinic
Skimped Hill Health Centre
Skimped Hill Lane
Bracknell
RG12 1LH
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11am to 6pm |
| Thursday |
10am to 3pm 3pm to 5pm (Young Person's Clinic, no appointment needed) |
We also offer Young Person’s clinics in Slough and Bracknell if you're aged 18 or under.
You can call us between 10am to 2pm, throughout the week.
Please be aware our phone lines close every Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm.
Call 0300 365 7777
The Garden Clinic
Upton Hospital
Albert Street
Slough
SL1 2BJ
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday |
3.30pm to 5pm (Young Person's clinic, no appointment needed) |
Skimped Hill Health Centre
Bracknell
RG12 1LH
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Thursdays |
3.30pm to 5pm (Young Person's clinic, no appointment needed) |
Braccan Walk Youth Centre
The Ring
Bracknell
RG12 1GN
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3pm to 5pm |
Bracknell and Wokingham College
Church Road
Bracknell
RG12 1DJ
Call 0300 365 7777
| Day of the week | Opening time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11.30am to 1.30pm |
Garden Clinic (Skimped Hill)
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Garden Clinic for our Sexual Health Service, at Skimped Hill.
Watch the Garden Clinic (Skimped Hill) video on our YouTube channel (new browser tab)
Garden Clinic (Upton Hospital)
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Garden Clinic for our Sexual Health Service, at Upton Hospital.
Watch the Garden Clinic (Upton Hospital) video on our YouTube channel (new browser tab)
Braccan Walk Youth Hub
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Braccan Walk Youth Hub.
Watch the Braccan Walk Youth Hub video (new browser tab)
Bracknell and Wokingham College
A brief video showing where to go when you visit the Braccan Walk Youth Hub.
Watch the Bracknell and Wokingham College virtual tour on our YouTube channel (new browser tab)