Emergency contraception

If you have had unprotected sex, or your contraception has failed, you could be at risk of getting pregnant.

Talk to your GP, Family Planning Clinic or pharmacist about the best emergency contraception option (morning after pill) for you. 

Emergency contraception is free for women aged 17 to 31 as part of the free contraception service.

Medical card holders can get emergency contraception directly from a pharmacy, free of charge, without having to go to their GP for a prescription.

What is emergency contraception (morning after pill)?

  • You can use emergency contraception (a pill) if you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
  • You might want to do this if you have had sex without using contraception, or if contraception has failed - for example if a condom slipped or you missed taking your regular contraceptive a pill.
  • There are two types of emergency contraception pills; the three day pill and the five day pill.
  • Emergency contraception is more effective if you take it as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex.
  • Emergency contraception does not provide any protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Remember: emergency contraception is more effective if you take it as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.

Find out more about emergency contraception here.