Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) / Morning After Pill
Your local pharmacy can provide the morning after pill. If you are under 25 years of age you may be eligible for a subsidised consultation and medication under the new Extended Pharmacy Services (for NZ residents). Discuss this with your pharmacist This is a confidential service and you don’t need to make an appointment.
The emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken up to 72hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, the sooner the better.
How does the emergency contraceptive pill work?
The emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy by:
- delaying the release of an egg from your ovary until sperm are no longer active, and
- changing the lining of your uterus so a fertilised egg cannot implant and develop.
It doesn’t work once the egg has been fertilised and won’t cause an abortion if you are already pregnant. It doesn't make it harder for you to get pregnant later on and it’s not harmful if you use it more than once.
Find out more about the Emergency Contraception Pill at Family Planning’s website
Have you had unprotected sex?
Don’t forget a sexual health check. You can catch a Sexually Transmitted Infection without realizing it so symptom free is no guarantee. The only way to be sure is to get tested.
Testing is free and easy at MidCentral Sexual Health Service. You can also get tested at YOSS if you are under 24, or at your local GP team.
And while you are there, take the opportunity to get some condoms.
