If you have had unprotected sex or experienced contraceptive failure, the morning after pill can help prevent an unintended pregnancy — and the most important thing to know is that you can get it today, from most pharmacies, without a prescription and without an appointment. Emergency contraception is safe, effective, and readily available in Ireland, and it works best the sooner it is taken. This guide explains where to access it, how it works, and what to expect.
The morning after pill, also called emergency contraception, is a medication that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is not the same as the abortion pill. The morning after pill works by delaying or preventing ovulation, meaning the egg is not released to be fertilised. If ovulation has already occurred, the pill will not work, and it cannot terminate an existing pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is intended as a backup option when regular contraception has not been used or has failed. It should not be relied upon as a primary method of birth control, though using it occasionally will not harm your fertility or future pregnancies.
There are two main types of emergency contraception pills available in Ireland, each with different active ingredients and effectiveness windows.
Levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception is the most commonly used morning after pill in Ireland. It is available over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.
Key Facts:
How it works: Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen hormone that works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
Effectiveness and timing: Levonorgestrel works best the sooner it is taken, and its effectiveness falls noticeably with each day that passes. Do not wait to see if you might be pregnant. Take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Ulipristal acetate is a more recent form of emergency contraception that remains effective for longer than levonorgestrel. In Ireland, ulipristal acetate requires a prescription from a doctor or can be obtained through an online consultation.
Key Facts:
How it works: Ulipristal acetate works by blocking or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. It may also alter the uterine lining. Unlike levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate maintains its effectiveness throughout the 5-day window without significant decline.
Effectiveness: Ulipristal acetate maintains its effectiveness better across its 5-day window than levonorgestrel does across its 3-day window, and it can be used when more than 72 hours have passed since unprotected sex. Which option is more suitable for you also depends on where you are in your cycle and other factors — the pharmacist or doctor will help you decide.
No emergency contraceptive pill is 100% effective, but both types significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy when taken promptly.
Important considerations:
There are several ways to access emergency contraception in Ireland. The right choice depends on which type of pill you need and how quickly you can access services.
For levonorgestrel (Norlevo):
What to expect: The pharmacist will ask a few questions about your menstrual cycle, when you had unprotected sex, and any medications you are taking. This is to ensure the pill is safe and appropriate for you. They will also explain how to take it and what side effects to expect.
Your GP can provide a prescription for either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. This is a good option if:
Contact your GP surgery first thing in the morning for a same-day appointment if possible. Explain that it is for emergency contraception so they understand the time-sensitive nature.
Online consultations offer a convenient and discreet way to access emergency contraception, particularly for ulipristal acetate.
How it works:
Benefits of online consultations:
Some sexual health clinics in Ireland provide emergency contraception. They may also offer STI testing and advice on ongoing contraception.
While not the primary route, A&E departments can provide emergency contraception if no other options are available. However, pharmacies and online services are usually faster and more appropriate.
Costs vary depending on where you access emergency contraception and which type you need. Over-the-counter levonorgestrel is priced by the pharmacy, while the prescription route involves a consultation fee plus the pharmacy charge for the medication. Ask your pharmacy or chosen service about current pricing.
Good news: under the Irish Government's free contraception scheme, women and people who can become pregnant aged 17-35 can access emergency contraception for free. This includes:
To access free emergency contraception under this scheme:
For ulipristal acetate, get a prescription from your GP or an online doctor service, then collect the medication free of charge from a participating pharmacy.
This scheme makes emergency contraception accessible to everyone in the eligible age range, regardless of financial circumstances.
Taking the morning after pill is straightforward:
For levonorgestrel, the single 1.5mg tablet is the complete dose. For ulipristal acetate, the single 30mg tablet is the complete dose.
After taking the pill, use barrier contraception (such as condoms) until your next period, as the morning after pill does not provide ongoing protection. If you normally use hormonal contraception (the pill, patch or ring), ask the pharmacist or doctor when to restart it — the advice differs between the two types of emergency contraception, and restarting hormonal contraception too soon after ulipristal acetate can make it less effective.
The morning after pill is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects are common:
The morning after pill may affect your next period:
If your period is more than 7 days late, or if you experience unusual symptoms, take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor.
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
It is important to understand that the morning after pill is not effective in certain situations:
If you have already ovulated (released an egg), the morning after pill cannot prevent pregnancy. The pill works by delaying ovulation, not by affecting a fertilised egg.
The morning after pill does not cause abortion. If a fertilised egg has already implanted, the pill will not affect the pregnancy. Taking the morning after pill during early pregnancy will not harm the pregnancy.
If you are outside these windows, the copper IUD (inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex) may still be an option. Speak to a doctor urgently.
The copper IUD (intrauterine device) is the most effective form of emergency contraception, with over 99% effectiveness when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Advantages:
Considerations:
If you are considering the copper IUD, contact your GP or sexual health clinic promptly, as time is limited.
Yes. There is no age restriction for purchasing levonorgestrel from a pharmacy in Ireland. Pharmacists are bound by confidentiality and will not contact your parents.
No. The morning after pill does not affect your future fertility. You can become pregnant in your next cycle after taking it.
While there is no strict limit, the morning after pill is not intended for regular use. If you find yourself needing it frequently, speak to a doctor about more reliable ongoing contraception.
Levonorgestrel is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. For ulipristal acetate, it is recommended to express and discard breast milk for 1 week after taking it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice specific to your situation.
No. The morning after pill only prevents pregnancy. If you have had unprotected sex, consider getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you need emergency contraception again in the same cycle, consult a doctor. They can advise on the best approach, which may include the copper IUD.
No. These are completely different medications. The morning after pill prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy. The abortion pill is a different medication used to terminate an early pregnancy under medical supervision.
Needing emergency contraception can feel stressful, but it is a normal part of many people's reproductive lives. There is no shame in accessing emergency contraception, and healthcare professionals are trained to provide non-judgmental support.
After using emergency contraception, consider:
If you need emergency contraception, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or an online doctor service as soon as possible. Pharmacists can supply levonorgestrel directly, and a doctor can prescribe ulipristal acetate where it is the more suitable option.
Do not wait. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the more effective it will be.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you have concerns about emergency contraception or need personalised guidance, consult a healthcare professional. Emergency contraception is time-sensitive, so seek help as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Junaid Akram, a General Practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.
General Practitioner
Dr. Fasi Ullah is a registered General Practitioner with the Irish Medical Council, providing expert healthcare advice to patients across Ireland through GetYourGP.
Medical Council Registration Number 433130
Medically reviewed by Dr. Junaid Akram on 3 August 2026
Women's HealthWhat a urinary tract infection actually is, the symptoms that mean you need urgent care today, why antibiotics are not always the answer, and where an online consultation fits — and where it does not.
Women's HealthFrom the pill to IUDs, explore all contraception options available in Ireland and learn how to get contraceptives online.