Emergency contraception

The emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse but is most effective if taken within 24 hours. We run urgent surgeries each weekday morning 9 to 10am to deal with issues such as this.

The emergency contraceptive pill can also be purchased from pharmacists over-the-counter. Please note: if you buy it over-the-counter you will be charged approximately four times the standard prescription charge.

How effective is it?
Studies suggest that this method works very well i.e. 98-99% effective. Emergency pill contraception will not prevent a possible pregnancy from unprotected sex earlier in your cycle, nor will it prevent a pregnancy if you have unprotected sex after the treatment.

The post coital coil method may be more appropriate if you have had more than one episode of unprotected sex this cycle or are too late for the tablet methods. The coil method is believed to be more effective than either of the pill methods. You may wish to consider this if you are at very high risk of pregnancy e.g. mid cycle.

Future contraception
Arrange to see a doctor again if you wish to consider an ongoing method of contraception.

Pharmacy services
Some local pharmacies take part in a scheme that offers emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, and Chlamydia tests free to patients under 25 years of age.

Source: LSMP