What is the emergency hormonal contraceptive pill?
The effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive pill decreases over time. If it is taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex it prevents 95% of pregnancies.
There are two types of EHC pill:
Ulipristal Acetate (also known as EllaOne)
Ulipristal Acetate can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after having unprotected sex.
Levonorgestel (also known as Levonelle)
Levonorgestel is the most commonly used. It can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after having unprotected sex.
The effectiveness of Levonelle decreases over time. If it is taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex it prevents 95% of pregnancies.
Many pharmacies are now able to offer emergency contraception.
Please see the below list of pharmacies across the county that are part of the scheme offering free emergency contraception for people aged 13 and over.
