Emergency contraception
Need emergency contraception now? Call us or book as soon as possible. We prescribe the most effective morning after pill or emergency contraceptive copper IUD. We’ll need to see you within 72 hours if you’ve had unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception ASAP
It can be stressful when you need emergency contraception in a hurry or if normal contraception (ārai hapū) fails. Our Sexual Health team understand this. They can support you by ensuring we see you promptly. Selecting the best solution depends on how long ago you had unprotected sex and your body type.
Here are some FAQs about Emergency Contraception:
How effective is the morning after pill?
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), sometimes known as Levonorgestrel pill, can prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours following unprotected sex. Therefore, see us as soon as possible as it works most effectively in the first 24 hours. The ECP pill delays ovulation with a high dose of progesterone (ovarian egg release).
The morning after pill is most effective in women weighing under 70kg. Another option, like an IUD, might be a better option if you’re over 70kgs.
What is an Emergency contraceptive IUD
The emergency contraceptive copper IUD is a copper intrauterine device that fits inside your uterus. You might need this option if you’re over 70kg. That’s because the Morning after pill may not be effective in this case. Copper IUDs can be inserted within 5 days of the possible fertilisation of an egg.
Additionally, the Emergency Copper IUD works instantly as long term contraception.
Could I still be pregnant following Emergency Contraception?
Take a pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after treatment to check you’re not pregnant.
- We can provide you with a prescription for the ECP pill (sometimes called ‘Plan B’ or ‘after sex pills’)
- ECPs won’t cause an abortion if you are already pregnant
- Discuss emergency contraception and concerns about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) confidentially with our GPs.
- Our team checks your other medications or conditions to help make the safest choice.
- If prescribing an Emergency Contraceptive Pill, NZ Medsafe distributes Postinor® -1 levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel pill side effects may include tiredness, nausea, tender breasts and vomiting. For other Levonorgestrel reactions you chat to your GP or check Medsafe.
Pop in to see us immediately
The ECP is more likely to stop a pregnancy if taken soon after unprotected sex. The ECP’S effectiveness is as follow:
- 95% if taken within 24 hours
- 85% if taken within 25 – 48 hours
- 58% if taken within 49 – 72 hours
An Emergency Copper IUD is almost 100% effective if inserted within 5 days.
Healthy Family Planning
Maintaining your sexual health and giving you confidence is our priority. For this reason we can help you select an effective reliable long term contraceptive method. Likewise, we’ll discuss avoiding STI transmission.
Hence, we have a range of NZ options for regular contraception including Hormonal IUDs like Mirena or Jaydess; emergency contraceptive pill that suit your health needs; or Depo Provera injections.
Our team provide a safe space and help if you need to talk about abuse or non-consensual sex. Feel free to request to see a specific doctor. During your appointment we’ll check you’re up to date with Pap smears.
Health care professionals providing emergency contraception
Frequently asked questions
To join our clinic, you first need to fill out the patient enrolment forms to register with the PHO that we belong to. This is a Ministry of Health requirement. You will need to provide proof of identity and eligibility which may include the following forms of identification:
- NZ Passport or NZ birth certificate
- International passport with resident visa OR work visa of minimum 24-month duration
On the enrolment form you need to indicate which of our doctors (currently taking new patients) that you would like to be registered with.
All GP appointments are 15 minutes long.
- One appointment is for a single health issue.
- Should you wish to have a 30-minute GP appointment, it will be charge at a non-subsidized rate.
- Depending on your age and health, one of our specialist nursing or pharmacist clinicians may be able to spend more time with you.
If you are a new patient, you will get full access to the patient portal “My Indici” once you have completed your enrolment.
Payment is required at time of consultation. Please note that unpaid accounts will incur an additional $10 monthly administration cost.
There may be additional costs for treatments/tests/materials
We recommend that you book your future appointments via your patient portal My Indici.
If you need an urgent appointment, then please phone the clinic. We have doctors available to discuss your urgent health needs on the day.
All consultations are by appointment only.
Patient portals are secure online sites where patients can access their health information and interact with their general practice. Set up access to your patient portal at or email Info@highbrookmedical.co.nz if you would like help.
Under 14 Free
14 years - 17 years $16
18+ years $18.50
We are open:
Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
For health services after hours visit East Care Accident & Medical, 260 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland 2013. Their phone is 09 277 1516.
Under 14 Years - Free
14 - 17 years - $13
18 years & over - $29.50
Note charge is the same for in person or by phone or video as you are still receiving the same high quality health provider assessment, diagnosis and planning.