The morning-after pill: Everything you need to know

Emergency contraception is one of those things we don't really think about until we actually need to use it, and that's something that needs to change.

The morning-after pill has been available over-the-counter in Ireland since 2011, but many of us are still unclear about what it does and how effective it is.

Unfortunately, not every broken condom or missed pill is going to conveniently happen during standard pharmacy opening hours, so it's important to wise up on what's available to you before something goes wrong.

We sat down with GP Dr. Eleanor Galvin of Rosemount Family Doctors to find out exactly what you need to know…

1. How long is the morning-after pill effective for?
Emergency contraception can be used anywhere up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, depending on the brand of pill taken, but Dr. Galvin stresses that the sooner it is taken, the better. "When taken within the first 24 hours, the morning-after pill can be 95% effective, but that drops to around 75% and then to 60% the longer you wait," she says.

2. What types of emergency contraception are available here – and what's the difference?
There are three main brands of morning-after pill sold in the Republic of Ireland, NorLevo, Prevenelle and ellaOne. While they all serve the same purpose, ellaOne is the only one effective beyond three days, and it is also the only one recommended for women over 12 stone, explains Dr. Galvin. 

3. Are there any age restrictions for the morning-after pill?
"The age of consent [for sexual activity] in the Republic of Ireland is 17, so technically you should be over that age if you wish to obtain emergency contraception without parental consent," explains Dr. Galvin. However she recommends that you visit a pharmacy, clinic or doctor regardless of age, to find out what your options are.

4. If I've missed a Pill and had unprotected sex, do I need to use emergency contraception?
"If you are unsure about whether or not you need emergency contraception, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist," says Dr. Galvin. "Sometimes I meet women who have only missed their Pill by a few hours and so may not need emergency contraception. But if there is any doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution."

5.  How safe is the morning-after pill and can I take it more than once?
"From a medical perspective, the morning-after pill is extremely safe," explains Dr. Galvin. Using emergency contraception repeatedly (even more than once a month) will not cause any health or fertility issues, but it is important to note that the more you rely on emergency contraception, the less effective it becomes over time. “We definitely do not suggest using the morning-after pill in place of standard contraception,” Dr. Galvin says. "But health-wise, they safe, and contain hormones that naturally occur in the body."