There are two types of Emergency Contraception available from your pharmacy without a prescription. They need to be taken within 72 hours following sexual intercourse. We provide emergency contraception consultations in a discreet, sensitive manner in a confidential setting. Please see your pharmacist immediately if you are concerned.
What is emergency contraception?
- Emergency contraception is a back-up contraception. You can use emergency contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy after you have had sex without using contraception, or if your method of contraception has failed (for example, the condom slipped or you missed a pill).
- Emergency contraception is more effective if you take it as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex.
- Emergency contraception does not provide any protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Since 1 July 2017, medical card holders can get emergency contraception directly from a pharmacy, free of charge, without having to go to their doctor for a prescription.
Emergency contraception pill (ECP)facts
- Women of all ages can use emergency contraception pills to prevent unplanned pregnancy if they have had sex without using contraception or their contraception has failed.
- Many women who have had a crisis pregnancy did not think to use emergency contraception pills.
- Emergency contraception pills are not suitable as a regular method of contraception and they does not prevent pregnancy in every woman.
- Many women believe that emergency contraception pills can only be taken 3 times in their lifetimes – there is no evidence to support this.
- There is no evidence to suggest that use of emergency contraception pills can cause infertility.
- If you are already pregnant, emergency contraceptive pills or the coil will not work.
- Emergency contraception does not provide any protection from sexually transmitted infections. Click here for further information on how to prevent STIs.
