Services - Emergency Contraception

Emergency hormonal contraception is a special dose of oral contraceptive hormone and is used to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Remeber, the sooner you take it the more effective it will be.

How does it work?

It can delay ovulation (the release of an egg from a woman's ovaries).

If ovulation has already taken place, it may stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.

How effective is it?

There are two tablets in the pack and they are taken 12 hours apart. 95% of expected pregnancies will be prevented if taken within the first 24 hours, declining to 58% if taken between 48 hours and 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Is it suitable for you?

Emergency contraception is not suitable for every patient, depending on your medical conditions and any medications you might be taking. The pharmacist will have a brief consultation with you and ask you a list of questions to determine its suitability for you. You must personally visit the pharmacy to collect the tablets as only you will have the answers to the questions being asked.

Is it safe?

Emergency hormonal contraception is safe to take and if for any reason you are already pregnant, it has been shown to not have a negative effect on your unborn baby.