Emergency Hormonal Contraception

Emergency hormonal contraception containing the hormone levonorgestrel and commonly known as the "morning after pill" is available from Maghaberry Pharmacy either with or without a prescription.

Taken as a single pill, emergency hormonal contraception works by stopping a pregnancy before it becomes established by:

• Delaying ovulation or the release of an egg
• Preventing fertilisation of an egg that may already have been released
• Stopping a fertilised egg from embedding within the lining of the womb

Emergency hormonal contraception is not an abortifacient, meaning it will not cause the abortion of a fertilised egg which has already attached itself to the womb; therefore it must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex and ideally within 24 hours when it is most effective.

At Maghaberry Pharmacy our Pharmacists appreciate the trust our customers place in them when dealing with private and often sensitive healthcare matters.

If you need emergency hormonal contraceptive advice you can speak with a Pharmacist, either in the Pharmacy, or anonymously by phone. Direct dial numbers can be found here and should you decide to purchase this form of contraception you can do so discreetly after a private consultation.

We will never ask you about the circumstances which have led to you seeking contraception advice but we will need to ask you some general medical questions to make sure emergency hormonal contraception is suitable for you to take.

Emergency hormonal contraception is extremely safe with no serious side effects and if it was to fail, and you become pregnant, it has not been shown to affect the pregnancy or harm the developing baby in anyway.

Remember this form of contraception should not be used on a regular basis as a first choice method of contraception. At Maghaberry Pharmacy we stock a full range of contraceptive products and our Pharmacy staff can advise you on the many options available to you.