Morning after pill information?

Question

I would like to know if you need a prescription from the doctor or can you get it in a chemist such as Boots? If so, will they ask you why you did not use protection. Also, what's the latest time you can take it after having unprotected sex?

Answer 1

The Morning After Pill is available from doctors and family planning clinics, and can be bought over the counter at pharmacies for around £26 if you are over 16. The questions they ask vary, but don't worry - you won't be talked down to or questioned too much. Don't let that put you off getting the contraception you need. When I worked at a pharmacy, we advised on the use of contraception in the future, but never asked why they didn't use it. You can always say that the condom split if they do ask.

My local boots stock the morning after pill. Some supermarket pharmacies stock it, and are open till 8, so you should phone and ask.

You can phone the Family Planning Associations Helpline on: 0845 122 8690
Or use the clinic finder at:
http://www.fpa.org.uk/finder/
for details of your nearest clinic.

You can ask at your GP's surgery for an emergency appointment.

If you are under 25, you can visit one of the 17 Brook Centres in the UK - for more information see:
http://www.brook.org.uk/content/M1_gotobrook.asp

You can also buy the emergency contraceptive pill from Marie Stopes Internation clinics for £30. See:
http://www.mariestopes.org.uk/uk/contraception-emergency.htm


The morning after pill isn't 100% effective and needs to be taken within 72 hours.
It is 95% within 24 hours after unprotected sex, 85% within 25-48 hours, and lower after 48+ hours.

If you have left it too late for the emergency contraceptive pill then you can still have an IUD, also known as a Coil, fitted up to five days after unprotected sex, to prevent pregnancy occurring.

The IUD works by stopping an egg from being fertilised or implanted in your womb and can be left in as a form of regular contraception or removed after a normal period. It is 98%-99% effective.

For more information on emergency contraception, see:
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=827
http://www.brook.org.uk/content/M3_2_emergency.asp
http://www.ruthinking.co.uk/about_sex/contraception/emergency.aspx
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/e-f/4722305.stm
http://www.mariestopes.org.uk/uk/contraception-emergency.htm

If you require emergency contraception after being raped, please talk to someone from Rape Crisis: http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk/

Answer 2

Up to 72 hours after sex, but the sooner the better.

Who/What is Boots?

When you call your doctor's office, the nurse will automatically assume that you didn't use protection. She won't ask too many questions, and you don't have to answer.

I read in Vogue last week that there is an over the counter pill available at the drug store, however you have to go to the pharmacy to get it so they can verify that you are over 18.

The last time I took it, which was a few years ago, it was a package of several high dose birth control pills. 2 now, 2 12 hours later. Repeat again 2 days later.

Answer 3

You can take it up to 72 hours after sex, the sooner the better though. Some chemists charge for it while other ones do it for free. You dont need to have a prescription. Dont worry about the questions they ask, they have heard it all before.

Answer 4

Levonelle is available without prescription in all pharmacies. It costs £25. The third degree will be minimal they certainly wont be critical. The maximum time between intercourse and using the morning after pill is 72 hours. However the family planning association recommends 24 hours as ideal, since the fail rate does increase after that.

Answer 5

Im pretty sure there is one you can take up to 72 hours after having sex. If you can get yourself to a planned parenthood or free clinic they will provide you with it. OR they will give you a prescription to get it. Your doctor can give you some too. They usually dont ask you why you didnt use protection they just say be careful next time.

Answer 6

I believe you can take it "the morning after" you have had unprotected sex. And, you can get it without a prescription from Planned Parenthood. They shouldn't ask why you didn't use protection. Best of luck.

Answer 7

Its within 72 of unprotected sex.
You can buy it from Boots its about 22 quid
or go to the doctor.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/morningafterpill.htm

Answer 8

It's available without a prescription in the US, but you sound like you are in the UK....?

Talk to your local chemist and ask them. Remember, it's only 89% effective at preventing pregnancy and you can still have STDs.

More info:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007014.htm

Answer 9

You can take it up to 72hrs after unprotected sex.....you can buy it but will be asked sum questions first....if your gonna pay for it itl be about £25.....

Answer 10

Hi,go to a clinic or your doctors think its 24 hours.You will not be lectured.Good Luck