There is also something called emergency contraception, which you can use if you have had unprotected vaginal sex or if a condom split during vaginal sex. There are two types of emergency contraception – an emergency contraceptive pill (the morning-after pill) and an IUD.

Please contact the women’s healtcare servicee or a youth guidance centre for more information.

How to use the emergency contraceptive pill

There are two different types of emergency contraceptive pill. One can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex, and the other up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. The latter is slightly more effective than the first.

Whichever type you choose, it is a good idea to take the tablet as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the lower the risk of becoming pregnant.

Both types can be bought without a prescription at a pharmacy. You can also get help at a youth guidance centre (ungdomsmottagning), midwife clinic (barnmorskemottagning), healthcare centre (vårdcentral) or a gynaecology clinic (gynmottagning). If you are young, you can usually get the emergency contraceptive pill free of charge at a youth guidence centre.

Using an IUD as emergency contraception

An IUD or coil can be used as emergency protection against pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex. The IUD must be fitted within five days of having had unprotected sex and can then prevent a possible pregnancy.

You can get help to have an IUD fitted by contacting a youth clinic, midwife clinic or gynaecology clinic. It is also possible to get help at a sex and relationship clinic if there is one close to where you live.