Emergency contraception
Verified 04 April 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Emergency contraception is a method of "catch-up" following a situation at risk of pregnancy. There are 2 types of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception medicament, sometimes mistakenly called " morning after pill’, is a medicinal product to be used as soon as possible in case of sexual intercourse unprotected or poorly protected. Emergency contraception can also be a intrauterine device copper (also known as sterilizer). Here are the rules to know.
Medicinal
The sooner emergency drug contraception is taken after intercourse, the more effective it is. This medicine works mainly by delaying ovulation.
Drug-induced emergency contraception is a drug used in unprotected or poorly protected sexual intercourse (for example, rupture or absence of a condom, lack of contraception, missed pills, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking the contraceptive tablet).
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 should be taken no later than 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse
- Ulipristal acetate: it should be taken no later than 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse.
Warning
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not assured at 100%.
You can get emergency contraception with drugs over the counter in a pharmacy.
It is taken care of at 100% by the Health Insurance or by theState medical aid (AME).
It shall be issued free of charge and anonymously to minors :
- In a pharmacy
- By a school nurse
- In sexual health centers
- Or in the Free Information, Screening and Diagnostic Centers (CeGIDD).
In middle school, high school and university, a doctor or nurse can deliver it.
The adults without social security cover it is available free of charge and without a prescription:
- In sexual health centers
- Or in the Free Information, Screening and Diagnostic Centers (CeGIDD).
Emergency drug contraception is free for both minors and adults.
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For a minor
It's free.
For an adult
It is taken care of at 100% by the Health Insurance on presentation:
- From the vital card
- Or an ID cardMEA
- Or a certificate of entitlements.
FYI
It is available free of charge in sexual health centers, free information, testing and diagnostic centers (CeGIDDs).
Intrauterine device
Emergency contraception can also take the form of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) (also called a copper IUD) sterilizer).
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.
DUI is an effective emergency contraception for 5 days after the risk ratio (examples: rupture or absence of condom, missed pills, vomiting and diarrhea after taking the contraceptive tablet, absence of contraception).
IUDs are considered to be the most effective method of emergency contraception.
Prior consultation is required with a physician (general practitioner, gynecologist, etc.) or a midwife, and state that it is an emergency.
At the first visit, after checking for contraindications, the practitioner will prescribe the IUD.
During the 2of 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.
FYI
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to have had children before to be able to have an IUD fitted.
The situation varies depending on whether you are 26 years old or over 26 years old:
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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 (out of medical consultations) and is refunded to 65%.
For women under 26
Refund (excluding medical consultations) is 100% on prescription.
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Young Health Threads
Intelligence service for young people (12-25 years old) in the field of health: sexuality, health, nutrition, contraception, drugs, sickness...
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- Information Center on the Rights of Women and Families (CIDFF)
- Sexual health centers (ex family planning and education center)
Emergency contraception delivery and management
Provisions applicable to minors
Emergency contraception in secondary schools and university departments
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