Emergency Hormonal ContraceptionEmergency Hormonal Contraception (
EHC) is available from either of the two Royal Dock Pharmacies either
free of charge*, or for an one-off fee.
EHC allows a further step towards safer sex and provides another source of medicinal access without the need to make an appointment with the GP.
Although
EHC is an effective way of preventing pregnancy its use should be reserved when either the usual method of contraception has failed or after unprotected sex.
EHC should not be seen as a fail safe but as a last resort as it is not 100% effective, and therefore should not be relied on as an effective form of contraception.
EHC works by either preventing the fertilised egg from implanting in the womb lining, preventing ovulation or by preventing fertilisation.
EHC should be commenced as soon as possible and can work up to 72 hours after conception although the efficacy decreases after time. If longer than 72 hours has elapsed than an appointment should be made with your GP.
EHC is often referred to as the
morning after pill, althought its use is not solely reserved for that time frame.
The inclusion/exlusion criteria are as follows:
- Unprotected sex must have fallen within 72 hours
- Patient must not already be pregnant
- Only one EHC pill is allowed per cycle
- Some medication can interact with the EHC pill, so please ask the pharmacist for more information
- Some medical conditions (such as Crohn's disease) can either interact with the pill or affect absorbtion, please ask the pharmacist for more information
- The EHC pill should be for the person attending the pharmacy, it cannot be bought on someone elses behalf
The pharmacist is ideally placed to alleviate any fears or concerns that you, or your partner may have. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to ask your local pharmacist, or
contact this pharmacy.
*Terms and conditions apply, please enquire within the Pharmacy and speak to the Pharmacist