Emergency Contraception

If you are worried about becoming pregnant after unptotected sex or your normal contraception method fails, come in as soon as possible for the Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP) and a confidential chat.

Emergency Contraception options

Need to visit a family planning centre? It is best to come into our Auckland family planning clinic as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, as the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP). 

Did you know the emergency contraceptive pill most effective at preventing pregnancy when you take it in the first 24 hours?  However, the ECP will work up to 3days (72 hours ) after unprotected sex. 

The ECP pill prevents pregnancy by delaying the release of an egg from the ovary and altering the lining of the uterus so an egg will not implant and grow.  Also, you might have heard it called the Morning After Pill.

Are there side effects to the Morning After Pill?

Some women do feel sick after taking the ECP.  For this reason, we advise that you take it with food. However, if you vomit within 3 hours of taking the morning after pill, do ask for advice, as you may need another pill.

How effective is emergency contraception?

The ECP works best in women weighing under 70kg.  If you are over this weight other options may be suggested, like a copper IUD (intrauterine device). This works by preventing the implantation of a fertilised egg. This method may also be suggested if you have a medical condition which prevents you from taking oral contraception. Fortunately, an IUD is a simple and quick minor surgery, so we can fit this at our centre.

Keep in mind, it is recommended to have a pregnancy test 3 to 4 weeks after taking the Emergency Contraception Pill to check that you are not pregnant.

What is the right contraception for you?

Our clinic GPs are trained in family planning and are happy to advise you on your regular contraception and emergency contraception if needed. Let us know any other ways you’d like us to support your sexual health.

  • We can write a prescription for the Emergency Contraceptive pill (sometimes known as the ‘ECP’, ‘after sex pills’, or the morning after pill )
  • Know that if you are already pregnant it will not cause an abortion
  • Also if you are breastfeeding the ECP is safe, but feel free to chat with our doctors
  • Come into our centre to talk about emergency contraception and family planning options. This includes discussing your regular contraception or cervical smears with our friendly GPs.
  • Furthermore, if you need to talk to a family planning doctor in Auckland after hours or on a weekend, try our Patient Plus clinic service on weekends or evenings.

Planning regular Contraception Options

The Emergency Contraception Pill is excellent for emergency use. However,  it’s not recommended for long term contraception and managing sexual health.

Make an appointment to talk to our family planning clinic in Auckland about all the available methods of long term contraception  including:

Moreover, we’ll also give you advice on being aware of and protecting yourself from Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs)

If you prefer a female GP, select one of our female team members on MyIndici when you make your appointment.

Health care professionals providing emergency contraception

Dr Jayani Kannangara
General Practitioner
Fluent in English, and Sinhalese. Dr Kannangara has an MBChB from the University of Otago.
Dr Therese Khella
General Practitioner
Fluent in English and Arabic. Holds postgraduate Diplomas in Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology from The University of Auckland.
Rashika Devi
Nurse
Fluent in English and Hindi. Rashika has a Bachelors degree in Nursing, Manukau Insititute of Technology.

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.

Yes. As part of completing your enrollment, we request that you have a new patient screening appointment with one of our Nursing or Medical Centre Assistant team members.

This new patient appointment enables our team to work with you to better understand your current health and wellbeing.

Following the new patient appointment as above, you can book your first consultation with your nominated doctor.

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 http://www.botanyjunctionmedical.co.nz/patient-portal/ or email info@bjdocs.co.nz if you would like help.

We recommend that you plan ahead and request your repeat medicines via your patient portal My Indici two weeks before you run out. If you do not have access to a portal, you can phone us and leave a message with the nurse to organise this. Our doctors use an electronic prescribing system which can send your prescription to your local pharmacy (please specify name and location).

Under 14 years free
14-17 years $16
18+ years $18.50
Urgent prescription 14+ years $27.50

The results of tests that have been ordered by our Doctors will be available on My Indici when they have been reviewed. If your test results are of concern you will be contacted by one of our team.

We are open
Monday 8am to 5pm
Tuesday 7am to 5pm
Wednesday 8am to 5pm
Thursday 7am to 5pm
Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 8am to 12pm (Midday)

For health services after hours visit East Care Accident & Medical, 260 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland 2013. Their phone is 09 277 1516.

These are consultation prices only.

Under 14 Years - Free
14 - 17 years - $13.00
18 years & over - $19.50

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.

We understand that things can change on the day, but we ask that you call us to advise that you are not able to make your appointment. If we do not hear from you minimum 2 hours prior to your scheduled time, you will receive an invoice for this missed appointment.