What is emergency contraception and how does it work?

Emergency contraception is used by women when their usual method of contraception has failed, such as when a condom breaks during sex, they miss a dose of their pill, or if they have had unprotected sex and want to avoid pregnancy. Emergency contraception should not be used as your usual method of contraception.

There are two types of emergency contraception used:

1. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) – also known as the morning after pill
2. Emergency contraceptive coil (intrauterine copper device or IUCD)

There are two different types of morning after pill (EHC) available. They are known as the 3-day pill and the 5-day pill.

The 3-day pill:

• Called levonorgestrel
• Time limit for use after unprotected sex is 72 hours
• Works better the sooner you take it
• 98-99 9% effective

The 5-day pill:

• Called ulipristal acetate
• Time limit for use after unprotected sex is 5 days
• Works better the sooner you take it
• 98-99% effective

You can get the morning after pill directly from your pharmacist without needing a prescription from your GP. Currently, all women aged 17-35 in Ireland are entitled to contraception free of charge from their pharmacy. All medical card holders are also entitled to free emergency contraception.

The emergency contraceptive copper coil (intrauterine copper device or IUCD):

• The IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
• Can be fitted by family planning clinic or trained doctor
• Can be fitted up to 5 days after sex
• 99% effective
• The coil can be kept as an on-going method of contraception.

While the coil can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, it is not as widely available as the morning after pill and it takes time to be fitted. You should therefore make an appointment as soon as possible.

You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which method of emergency contraception will work best for you. Different factors can apply, such as:

• When was your last period
• How long since unprotected sex
• Date that contraception failed
• Medical history
• Other medicines you are taking

It is important to note that any form of emergency contraception will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had unprotected sex it is recommended that you arrange to have an STI screening.

How does the morning after pill work?

Both types of EHC work in the same way. They prevent or delay the ovulation (release of an egg). This means that an egg can’t meet with a sperm to be fertilised.

How effective is the morning after pill? It is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. However, if fertilisation does occur, it can prevent the fertilised egg implanting in the uterine wall.

How Does An IUD Work?

An IUD can replace regular contraception when it has failed by delaying ovulation. A doctor or nurse places the small T-shaped copper coil device in your womb where it prevents the egg from implanting. Unlike any regular contraceptive method, you can insert the IUD for up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but you should go to your family planning clinic, GP or pharmacist as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Where can I get the morning after pill?

Any McCabes Pharmacy nationwide offers this discreet service during opening hours. Emergency contraception is available without a prescription. There is no appointment necessary, just drop into any of our McCabes Pharmacy stores and speak to the pharmacist. If you would prefer to book an appointment, you can use our booking tool.

Currently, all women aged 17-35 in Ireland are entitled to emergency contraception free of charge from their pharmacy. All medical card holders are also entitled to free emergency contraception. If you do not fit in either cohort, payment will be required.

If you request the morning after pill online through McCabes Pharmacy, you do not need to see a doctor. However, you will need to complete a questionnaire.

How does this service work?

• One of our highly trained Pharmacists will invite you into a private Care Room and ask you to answer a short questionnaire.
• The pharmacist will then determine if Emergency Contraception is suitable for you and will discuss your medication options.
• If Emergency Contraception is suitable, our pharmacist will supply you with the appropriate medication.
• If Emergency Contraception is not suitable, our pharmacist will advise you and point you in the right direction for advice and support.

When should I take Emergency Contraception?

• If you had unprotected sex in the last 120 hours (five days).
• If your condom split or something stopped your contraceptive working.
• If you missed a dose of your birth control pills or were vomiting in the last few days (vomiting may reduce the absorption of your birth control meaning that it may not be effective).

Will taking emergency contraception help prevent pregnancies in the future?

No, morning after pills only protect you after unprotected sex. However, the emergency contraceptive coil would protect you from getting pregnant for 5-10 years depending on the type of device used.

Are there any side effects from the morning after pill?

Like all treatments, some people might experience side effects when taking the EHC. Morning after pill side effects can include:

• Feeling nauseas or being sick
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Headaches
• Tummy ache
• Sore breasts
• Diarrhoea

Some women might also experience changes to their period, you might get some bleeding before your period is due, or it might come earlier or late. If your period is more than a week late, it’s best to take a pregnancy test, as there might be a chance the EHC hasn’t worked.

Usually for most women, these kinds of symptoms will pass in a day or two. If you’re sick within 2-3 hours of taking emergency contraception you should reach out to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if you need to take another morning after pill.

For information on sexual health, being pregnant and wellbeing from the HSE please visit www.sexualwellbeing.ie

All of our McCabes Pharmacy stores nationwide offer this discreet service during opening hours. The morning after pill is available without a prescription. There is no appointment necessary, just drop into any of our pharmacies and speak to the pharmacist.