Emergency contraception is a secondary method or “back-up contraception”. It can be used if you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy after you had sex without using contraception or if contraception has failed ( i.e. the condom split or you missed a pill). There are different emergency contraception choices for different situations, depending on when you had your last period and how long it has been since you had unprotected sex. Ask a pharmacy consultation for a private consultation to discuss the best option for you. Available from the pharmacist is the pill “Norlevo” which is referred to as the “morning after pill”. These can be ingested upto 72 hours after sexual intercourse and following a consultation with the pharmacist. However, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It works primarily by delaying ovulation.
Emergency Contraception Facts:
• Women of all ages can use emergency contraception 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.
• Emergency contraception is not as effective as regular contraception and it does not prevent pregnancy in every woman
• There is no evidence to suggest that use of emergency contraception can cause infertility
• If you are already pregnant, emergency contraceptive pills or the coil will not work.
For more information visit thinkcontraception.ie or pop into any of our pharmacies for brief private discussion with our pharmacists.
This service is available from both our Georges Street and Dundrum locations.
