Emergency Contraceptive Pill (Morning After Pill)
Kawerau Pharmacy provides FREE Emergency Contraceptive consultations and medications to patients under the age of 25 years who are NZ residents.
This no appointment necessary service provides women with a confidential consultation with an accredited pharmacist to discuss the the most effective treatment for them and if appropriate provide them with a FREE supply of the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (morning after pill) and condoms.
The ECP can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken up to 72 hours(3 days) after unprotected sex but the earlier it is taken the better protection it offers. The emergency contraceptive pill is up to 98% effective if take within the indicated time frames.
If you have had unprotected sex come and talk to our pharmacists for the trusted, confidential advice and treatment.
How does it work?
The pill works by delaying the release of an egg from our ovary until the sperm are no longer active and by changing the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.
The ECP does not work if you are already pregnant and will not cause an abortion. It does not affect your ability to get pregnant at a later stage. It is also safe to take more than once but is not designed to be used as a regular form of contraception and does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Your pharmacist can advise you where you can access local contraceptive and sexual health testing services.
What to do next.
After taking the ECP it is advisable to have both a pregnancy test and a sexual health check. It is also a good time to talk to a provider about the best form of regular contraception for you. You can purchase a pregnancy test from your pharmacy or be tested at your General Practice, Family planning or local sexual health provider. The Protected and Proud website provides a comprehensive list of local providers.
