Emergency Contraception Explained

What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency Contraception refers to contraceptive methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex. These methods include Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) and insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). They offer women and girls an important second chance to prevent pregnancy when a regular method fails, no method was used, or sex was forced.

What's in a name?
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are also known as “morning after pills”; however this term is misleading because ECPs can actually be taken up to 72 hours after sex. This is a particularly relevant distinction in Ireland where 53% of men and 39% of women underestimate the period in which ECP can be taken effectively and may not access ECP because they believe too much time has passed. The IFPA utilises the term emergency contraception because it accurately places it in the same category as other methods of contraception, it conveys the importance of timely access without artificial time limits and emphasises its use as a back-up to regular forms of contraception

How do Emergency Contraceptive Pills work?
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are made of the same hormone contained in ordinary hormonal contraceptives, progesterone. This means that they work in the same way by preventing or delaying ovulation.

Timing is everything
Emergency contraceptive pills can be used up to 72 hours after sex but are more effective the sooner they are taken.

How can I access emergency contraception pills?
Since Febuary 2011 emergency contraceptive pills are available directly from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. The IFPA provides emergency contraceptive pill serices at our clinics in Tallaght and Dublin city centre. Click here for clinic info.

What can I do if my doctor or pharmacist won't provide me with Emergency Contraceptive Pills?
Unfortunately, there are some doctors and pharmacists who will not provide emergency contraceptive pills because they do not agree with it for non-medical reasons. They are allowed to refuse to provide this service but they are not allowed to impose their beliefs on you or treat you in any way that suggests disapproval of your actions. If your doctor or pharmacist will not provide emergency contraceptive pills, he or she must refer you to a doctor or pharmacist that will and you must be able to access that doctor or pharmacist in a reasonable amount of time.

If a doctor refuses to provide a prescription for emergency contraceptive pills and will not provide you with a referral, you can make a complaint to the Medical Council complaints@mcirl.ie

If a pharmacist refuses to fill a prescription for emergency contraceptive pills and will not provide you with a referral, you can make a complaint to the Irish Pharmaceutical Society info@pharmaceuticalsociety.ie