Emergency contraception
Do you need emergency contraception after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure?
Get emergency contraception today
$
50
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- Self-pay visits - insurance not accepted or needed, FSA/HSA eligible
- No appointment needed
- Your health data is secure and protected by our practices and by law
How it works
- Connect with the doctor through instant messaging
- Pick up any prescribed medication at a pharmacy of your choice or have it delivered
- Your care team is available 7 days a week
$
0
You’ll receive advice, recommendations, and a treatment plan at no charge. A $50 processing fee applies only if you need a prescription.
Get better or pay nothing. Guaranteed.
How it works
- Connect with the doctor through instant messaging.
- Pick up any prescribed medication at a pharmacy of your choice.
- No appointment. No hassle. Available 7 days a week.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, is a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g., broken condom, missed birth control pills). It's most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
How does emergency contraception work?
EC works by preventing ovulation or fertilisation, or by preventing implantation of a fertilised egg. It's important to note that EC is not the same as abortion; it will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
What are the different types of emergency contraception?
There are two main types of emergency contraception (EC) available in New Zealand:
- Levonorgestrel-based pills – such as Postinor-1®. These are most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, but may work up to 5 days.
- Ulipristal acetate pills – such as EllaOne®. These can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex and are more effective than levonorgestrel, especially between days 3–5.
Both are available at NZ pharmacies without a prescription, but ulipristal may require consultation with a pharmacist.
Is a chat-visit right for me?
A chat consult with Well Revolution might be right for you if:
- You're 18-55 years old
- You’ve had unprotected sex within the past 5 days and you want to prevent pregnancy
- You're not looking for birth control you can take routinely
- You're not already pregnant
Emergency contraception options
Emergency contraception options available through Chat-consult may include:
- Levonorgestrel pills: Postinor-1 (available over-the-counter in NZ pharmacies)
- Ulipristal acetate pills: EllaOne (pharmacist consultation often required)
Other emergency contraception methods, such as the copper IUD, are not available through Chat-consult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is emergency contraception?
The effectiveness of EC depends on how soon it's taken after unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel pills are most effective when taken within 24 hours, while ulipristal acetate can be effective up to 5 days after.
Can I use emergency contraception regularly as my primary birth control method?
No, emergency contraception is not intended for regular use. It's less effective than other birth control methods and may have more side effects with frequent use.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies without a prescription.
What are the side effects of emergency contraception?
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and changes in menstrual bleeding. These side effects are usually temporary.
Will emergency contraception protect me from STIs?
No, emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
What should I do if I vomit after taking emergency contraception?
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, you may need to take another dose. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
About Well Revolution
What does it cost?
One-off consults are provide at no charge for medical advice and treatment plans. A $50 processing fee applies only if you need a prescription.
See our pricing page for more information.
How do consults work in Well Revolution?
Start a private and secure instant message with a Well Revolution GP right here from your phone or desktop.
You can send text, voice and video messages, share images, videos and documents, and have voice and video calls all from inside the Well Revolution instant messenger.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointment is needed with Well Revolution. Start a private chat with a doctor at any time—available 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
What's included with my consult?
A consult with a Well Revolution GP, medical advice, treatment plans, referrals, prescriptions and repeats.
The doctor will decide on what care is appropriate for you.
Can I use my health insurance for my consult?
We'll provide a receipt for your consultation.
You can submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
How do prescriptions work?
The doctor creates and sends paperless prescriptions for you. They will send your prescription to your favourite or nearest pharmacy for the most convenient pick-up location, or you can choose home delivery.