Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception, commonly known as the morning after pill, is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

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What is the Morning After Pill?

Emergency contraception, commonly known as the morning after pill, is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but the sooner you take it, the better the chances are that it will be effective.

The morning after pill works by releasing hormones that disrupt the normal process of ovulation. By delaying the release of an egg from the ovary, it reduces the chance of pregnancy. If ovulation has already occurred, the pill can also make it more difficult for a fertilised egg to attach to the uterus lining.

The morning after pill, like any method of contraception, is not 100% effective - there is a chance that it will not work and that pregnancy could still happen.

Author

Dr Adam Kirk

Revision 1.0 - 20/08/2025

How it works

  1. Select your preferred treatment and complete a short questionnaire, this will help the pharmacist understand your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
  2. Create a user account or log in if you already have a My Local Surgery account.
  3. Some treatments can be very strong, so it’s important for the pharmacist to review your answers carefully before deciding what is suitable.
  4. The pharmacist will review your questionnaire and make a recommendation, which in some cases may include that no medical treatment is required, a referral to a different service, monitoring your symptoms, or a prescription to treat your condition.
  5. If a prescription is necessary, such as for topical treatments or antibiotics, your pharmacist will add this to your basket so you can complete your order.


Preventing emergency contraception use

To reduce the need for emergency contraception, several preventative measures can be followed:

  • Use regular, reliable contraception consistently and correctly
  • Consider long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs or implants
  • Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections and as a backup method
  • Plan sexual activity with effective birth control methods in place
  • Be aware of and avoid missed pills or contraception errors
  • Consult healthcare providers regularly to discuss the most suitable contraception options

These steps help minimize the risk of unplanned pregnancy and reduce reliance on emergency measures.

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