Emergency contraception

Verified 01 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Emergency drug contraception, sometimes incorrectly called " morning after pill’, is a medicine to be used as soon as possible in case of unprotected or poorly protected sex. Emergency contraception can also take the form of a copper-bearing IUD (also called a copper-bearing IUD) sterilizer). We present you with the information you need to know.

Medicinal

EC can be used up to 5 days after intercourse. This medicine works mainly by delaying ovulation.

Drug-induced EC is a drug to be used for unprotected or poorly protected intercourse (for example, condom rupture, lack of contraception).

This medicine comes as a single tablet that should be taken as soon as possible, as its effectiveness decreases over time.

There are 2 types:

  • levonorgestrel (it must be taken within 3 days after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse),
  • ulipristal acetate (to be taken within 5 days after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse).

Warning  

the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not assured at 100%.

Emergency drug contraception can be obtained without a prescription from a pharmacy. It is taken care of at 100% by the Health Insurance or by theState medical aid (AME).

It is issued free of charge and anonymously to minors.

In middle school, high school and university, a doctor or nurse can deliver it.

Sexual health centers (formerly known as family planning or education centers - CPEF) may provide emergency contraception for drugs free of charge to minors and adults who are not insured under social security.

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For a minor

It's free.

For an adult

It is taken care of at 100%.

Intrauterine device

Emergency contraception can also take the form of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) (also called an IUD).

The IUD is a small rod, most often made of flexible plastic and T-shaped, followed by a wire.

A copper IUD carries a small amount of copper that, when placed in the uterus, creates a environment that is hostile to sperm and makes them inactive.

It can be placed up to 5 days after the date of unprotected or poorly protected sexual intercourse.

IUDs are considered the most effective method of emergency contraception for unprotected or poorly protected sex.

You must first consult a doctor (general practitioner, gynecologist...) or a midwife, and specify that it is an emergency.

At the first visit, after checking for contraindications, the practitioner will prescribe the IUD.

During the second consultation, the professional will carry out the installation.

You can also go to a sexual health center (formerly known as a family planning or education center - CPEF) which offers free consultation to minors and adults who are not insured.

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For women aged 26 and over

After a prescription from a doctor (general practitioner, gynecologist...) or a midwife, you can buy it at the pharmacy.

It costs €30.50 (excluding medical consultations) and shall be reimbursed to 65%.

For women under 26

Reimbursement (excluding medical consultations) is 100% on prescription.

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Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Young Health Threads

    Intelligence service for young people (12-25 years) in the field of health: sexuality, nutrition, contraception, drugs, sickness...

    By telephone

     0800,235,236 free call and service from landline or mobile phone

     +33 (0)1 44 93 30 74 (from a mobile phone, at the cost of a local call)

    Open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 11pm

    Online

    https://www.filsantejeunes.com/contact

  • Information Center on the Rights of Women and Families (CIDFF)
  • Family Planning or Education Center