If you want to avoid an unintended pregnancy following unprotected sex or a condom splitting, you might wish to consider emergency contraception. The emergency contraceptive pill, also called the 'morning-after' pill, must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, and is more effective the sooner it's taken.

You can get emergency contraception from GPs, Brook and Wirral's Contraception and Sexual Health Clinics.

A number of local pharmacies now offer free emergency contraception to people over 16 years old.

If you need emergency contraception outside clinic or pharmacy opening times please contact:

• All Day Health Centre at Arrowe Park Hospital - (0151) 488 3706 from 8am to 9:45 pm
• Walk-In Centre at Victoria Central Health Centre, Wallasey - (0151) 514 6464 from 8am to 9:45 pm weekdays and 9 am to 9:45 pm on weekends and Bank Holidays.

If you need to speak to someone, queries/enquiries can also be made to Wirral Sexual Health Services' office on (0151) 514 6464.

The emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy if you've had unprotected sex, but should only be used in an emergency. It's not a replacement for regular contraception.

There are lots of methods of contraception to choose from, so don't be put off if the first thing you use isn't quite right for you; you can try another. You can find out more about each of the different methods of contraception by visiting the NHS Choices website.