Emergency Contraceptive Pill

If you have unprotected sex, if your regular method of contraception fails (eg. burst condom), or you forgot to take your pill, you could become pregnant.

You can reduce your chance of becoming pregnant by taking the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP).

In the past the ECP was called the “morning after pill”. This term is misleading as you can take the ECP up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

The ECP and advice on emergency contraception is available from most pharmacies. This service is provided discreetly and confidentially by your accredited pharmacist.

For your safety, before providing you with the ECP, the pharmacist will ask you some questions to assess whether it is right for you.

The ECP is not a regular form of birth control and should be used only in an emergency (for example when there has been unprotected sex). 

The ECP does not provide ongoing contraception. Talk to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor about your need for long-term contraception.