If you had sex and didn’t use a condom or any other method of contraception, or you think that the method of contraception you used has failed in some way, the chances are that you or your partner will become pregnant.
Here are some facts
- Some people call it the ‘morning after pill’ but it can be taken later than the ‘morning after’
- Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), if taken within 72 hours, may prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
- EHC is NOT a regular form of contraception and should not be used on a regular basis.
- EHC does not protect you or your partner from Sexually Transmitted Infection’s (STI’s).
How does it work?
- One small pill is taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
- If taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, EHC will prevent 95 out of every 100 expected pregnancies.
- Five out of every 100 expected pregnancies will not be prevented.
- If taken between 48 and72 hours after unprotected sex, 58 out of every 100 expected pregnancies will be prevented. This means 42 out of every 100 expected pregnancies will not be prevented.
- They contain a hormone similar to those found in birth control pills (i.e. contraceptive pill).
- The hormone is thought to work by preventing eggs being released and preventing fertilisation, and discouraging implantation into the lining of the womb.
Your next period should arrive when you’d normally expect it, though it might be a bit early or a bit late. If it doesn’t arrive within five days of your expected date or it is unusual in any way, go to your doctor, Community Sexual Health Clinic or Young People’s Clinic for advice.
What happens if I go past the 72 hours?
- EHC may still be used up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex but it is much less effective than having an IUD fitted (also known as a ‘Coil’). Only specially trained community pharmacists across Halton and St Helens may supply EHC up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Always phone your nearest pharmacy (chemist) before you go and check that someone will be there who can give it to you.
- The IUD is a small piece of plastic wrapped in copper that’s fitted inside a woman’s uterus by a doctor.
- The IUD may help to prevent an unwanted pregnancy if you can’t get EHC in time. An IUD will prevent 99 out of every 100 expected pregnancies.
Advantages of Emergency Contraception
- A number of community pharmacists (chemists) in Halton and St Helens may sell or supply EHC. Phone your nearest pharmacy before you go and check that someone will be there who can give it to you. Some pharmacies may supply EHC free of charge. Ask first.
- It is very easy to use – you only have to swallow one tiny tablet.
- It may prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
- It is a strictly confidential service – none of the staff will contact you about it or tell anyone about your visit.
Disadvantages of Emergency Contraception
- It doesn’t protect you or your partner from STI’s.
- You might suffer from side effects such as feeling sick, stomach ache, dizziness, being sick and a headache.
- If you are sick after taking EHC, you should go back to see someone again for advice.
- If you get EHC from a community pharmacy it might cost you up to £25 (correct in May 2008).
Remember!
- EHC is not a regular method of contraception.
- EHC does not protect you from getting STI’s. Condoms DO.
- Always try to call first to see if you can get it for free, if not, ask someone if they can tell you where you CAN get it for free.
- You can get emergency contraception from doctors, Family Planning Clinics, Accident & Emergency Department at Whiston or Warrington Hospital, the GUM Clinic and most services for young people.
- See Contraception on how to protect yourself properly.
If you are under 16 you may have to go to your doctor. There are some specially trained pharmacists allowed to supply EHC to anyone under 16 – make a telephone call before you go, if your usual pharmacist cannot help he or she will be able to tell you where to go.
Where can I get it?
Emergency Hormonal Contraception is provided free of charge at the following, BUT ALWAYS CHECK FIRST – perhaps give them a call before you go incase the trained pharmacist is not there.
Runcorn
Asda Pharmacy
West Lane
Runcorn
(01928 703210)
Boots The Chemists Ltd
Hallwood Health Centre
Runcorn
(01928 719088)
Boots UK Ltd Alliance Pharmacy
21 High Street
Runcorn
(01928 572076)
Halton Brook Pharmacy
27 Hillcrest
Runcorn
(01928 566064)
Lunt’s Pharmacy
51-53 Church Street
Runcorn
(01928 572470)
Murdishaw Pharmacy
Gorsewood Road
Runcorn
(01928 711232)
St Pauls Pharmacy
49 High Street
Runcorn
(01928 568312)
St Helens
Boots The Chemists Ltd
Ravenhead Retail Park
St Helens
(01744 753578)
Boots The Chemists Ltd
8 Church Street
St Helens
(01744 25488)
Bradlegh Road Pharmacy
Newton Community Hospital
Newton-le-Willows
(01925 223535)
Brian H Donlon Pharmacy
155 Station Road
St Helens
(01744 25036)
Clarks Pharmacy
196 Robins Lane
St Helens
(01744 814360)
Co-operative Pharmacy
36 Church Road
St Helens
(01744 882112)
Co-operative Pharmacy
20 Cowley Hill Lane
St Helens
(01744 751101)
Co-operative Pharmacy
60 Bickerstaffe Street
St Helens
(01744 735600)
Farley Chemist
59 Higher Parr Street
St Helens
(01744 26868)
Garswood Pharmacy
Billinge Road
St Helens
(01942 719879)
Heath Pharmacy
18 Elephant Lane
St Helens
(01744 818826)
Heatons Chemist
21 Bassenthwaite Avenue
St Helens
(01744 24941)
Lloyds Pharmacy
Leigh Street
Newton-le-Willows
(01925 225713)
Lloyds Pharmacy
60-62 Duke Street
St Helens
(01744 23899)
Millennium Centre Pharmacy
Corporation Street
St Helens
(01744 633740)
Widnes
Boots The Chemists Ltd
8-10 Albert Road
Widnes
(0151 424 2979)
Co-operative Pharmacy
Peelhouse Medical Plaza
Widnes
(0151 424 2118)
Hale Village Pharmacy
3 Ivy Farm Court
Widnes
(0151 425 2224)
McDougalls Pharmacy
Widnes Health Care Resource Centre
Widnes
(0151 420 1262)
Strachans Chemist
445 Hale Road
Widnes
(0151 423 0857)
Contraception