Emergency contraception, or the morning-after pill, can be accessed easily across Ireland through various healthcare providers. If you're unsure where to get it or how much it costs, we’re here to guide you. This article explains how emergency contraception works, when to take it, and where to get it in Ireland.
What is the morning after pill and how does it work?
The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception used after unprotected sex or when regular contraception has failed. It helps prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation. There are two types of morning-after pills available:
- Progesterone-based pills, which prevent ovulation in the first 14 days of your cycle.
- Ulipristal acetate pills, which delay ovulation even if the hormones are present.
To learn more about the types of contraceptive pills available in Ireland, visit our guide here.
How long after sex can you take the morning after pill?
The effectiveness of the pill depends on how quickly you take it:
- Progesterone-based pills should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
- Ulipristal-based pills are effective for up to 120 hours (5 days).
When is the morning after pill most effective?
Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken.
- Progesterone-based pills are 99% effective when taken within 12 hours but lose effectiveness on days 2 or 3.
- Ulipristal is 99.5% effective when taken quickly but may be affected by hormonal contraceptives or previous morning-after pills taken within the same cycle.
Where can you get the morning after pill in Ireland?
You can get the morning-after pill at most pharmacies across Ireland without a prescription. The price varies between €15 and €50 depending on the pharmacy and the type of pill. However, free emergency contraception is available for certain groups under the HSE Free Contraception Scheme [2].
If you prefer a quick and discreet service, HealthHero can provide a prescription for emergency contraception for you to collect at your local pharmacy.
How much is the morning after pill in Ireland?
Emergency contraception typically costs around €35 in Irish pharmacies, though some may charge an additional €2.50 dispensing fee. If you hold a medical card, you can get it for free from a pharmacy without needing a prescription from a GP. For more information, check out our guide on How to Buy the Contraceptive Pill in Ireland.
Do you need a prescription for the morning after pill?
No prescription is needed for the morning-after pill in Ireland. Simply visit your local pharmacy to purchase it, and if you have a medical card, you'll get it for free.
Are there side effects from taking the morning after pill?
Some side effects are possible after taking the morning-after pill, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Tummy pain
- Headaches
- Irregular bleeding
These symptoms usually improve within a few days. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, you should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist, as you may need another dose. There are no long-term side effects from using emergency contraception, and it doesn't affect fertility.
Do you have to answer any questions when getting the morning after pill?
When obtaining the morning-after pill in Ireland, you'll typically need to answer some questions from the pharmacist or healthcare provider. These questions may include:
- When you had unprotected sex
- Your general health and medical history
- Current medications
- Previous use of emergency contraception
- The date of your last menstrual period
These questions ensure that the morning-after pill is safe and appropriate for you. Pharmacists maintain confidentiality and aim to create a non-judgmental environment during consultations.
The morning-after pill is a reliable and accessible form of emergency contraception in Ireland, available at pharmacies without a prescription. It’s most effective when taken soon after unprotected sex, with two types offering different time frames for use. While costs can vary, some may access it for free under the HSE Free Contraception Scheme.
How HealthHero can support you
HealthHero offers support for those seeking contraception with professional advice tailored to your needs. To learn more, visit our our medical service page.
