Emergency contraception

Telehealth consults, 5 days a week - NZ wide

Emergency contraception – fast, private, expert care

Confidential telehealth consults 5 days a week – with real clinical support.

It’s not just “the morning after pill.” There are multiple emergency contraception options available, and some work up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception (EC) helps prevent pregnancy after:

  • Unprotected sex
  • Missed pills or late injections
  • A broken condom
  • Any other contraceptive failure

Need emergency contraception?

Call us: 0800 226 784Make an appointment

Which emergency contraception is right for you?

Choosing the right one depends on your weight, how long since you had unprotected sex, and where you are in your cycle.

Levonorgestrel (Postinor)

A hormone-based emergency contraception pill that delays or prevents ovulation. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. And is only effective if you have not ovulated.

Best Used
If your BMI is under 25 and you weigh less than 70kg
Sex occurred before ovulation

Time since unprotected sex
ASAP (ideally less than 72 hrs)

Effectiveness
Prevents 89% of pregnancies if taken within 72 hours of sex

Important Notes
Should be combined with ibuprofen to improve effectiveness
Effectiveness drops significantly after 72 hours or with higher weight
Not effective if you have already ovulated

Mifepristone

A prescription-only medication that blocks progesterone, preventing implantation or delaying ovulation. Though not officially licensed in NZ for emergency contraception, it’s widely used overseas and more effective than Levonorgestrel in many cases.

Best Used
Those with a BMI over 25 (over 70kg)
People who have already ovulated

Time since unprotected sex
Within 5 days

Effectiveness
Around 93%

Important Notes
Requires nurse consult and prescription
Provided safely by TWC as off-license use
Not available over-the-counter
Can be taken up to 5 days after sex

IUD (Copper or Mirena)

A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that provides immediate emergency contraception and long-term protection. It works by preventing sperm from fertilising the egg and altering the uterine lining.

IUD’s can be fitted at our Invercargill and Palmerston North Clinic. Learn more about IUDs →

Best Used
Anyone seeking the most effective option
Emergency use up to 5 days after ovulation
Those also wanting ongoing contraception (5+ years)

Time since unprotected sex
Within 5 days, sometimes even later than this depending on when in your cycle you had sex

Effectiveness
Over 99%

Important Notes
Must be inserted by a trained clinician
Copper IUDs are non-hormonal
Mirena provides hormonal protection + lighter periods
TWC can provide IUDs or refer you to a nearby provider

Need emergency contraception? We offer same-day phone consults, 5 days a week - NZ wide.

How much does it cost?

Our emergency contraception package is $95 and includes:

  • Nurse consult + follow-up
  • Prescription (Levonorgestrel or Mifepristone)
    PLEASE NOTE: A pharmacy prescription charge of $3-$15 may apply
  • Postage of STI kit and pregnancy test (if requested)
  • Access to pharmacy or IUD referral support
  • Continued care if pregnancy occurs

Payment is required in advance — no extra charges unless IUD fitting is required.

IUD’s cost $250 and can be fitted at our Invercargill and Palmerston North Clinic.

What our patients say

“I was too embarrassed to go to the pharmacy. The nurse at TWC was so kind, explained all the options, and made me feel safe.”
Anonymous, Wellington

“I didn’t know Postinor doesn’t work well after ovulation. I’m glad I talked to someone who actually knew what to do.”
C. (22), Auckland

Why choose The Women’s Clinic?

We offer better options than a pharmacy or GP
Our team are specialists in reproductive health. We go beyond “one-size-fits-all” by offering tailored treatment based on your body and your timing — including options like Mifepristone, which most GPs do not provide.

Private & non-judgmental care
We understand emergency contraception can feel sensitive or stressful. Our telehealth service is fully confidential — no waiting rooms, no stigma.

Same-day consults, 5 days a week
Time matters. We offer same-day nurse appointments 5 days a week. You won’t have to wait.

Ongoing support & STI screening
We care for your full reproductive health. Every Emergency Contraception consult includes the option for:

  • Free STI screening kit
  • Pregnancy test posted to you
  • Discussion around long-term contraception (no pressure)

We follow up — and we stay with you
Three weeks after your consult, we’ll check in to make sure your period has returned. If it hasn’t, we guide you through next steps — including pregnancy testing and, if needed, we can provide you with funded abortion care.

The Jab

Learn more

The Rod

Learn more

The Pill

Learn more

Emergency

Learn more

Costs

Learn more

Need emergency contraception?

Booking is easy and confidential. We’ll talk you through your options and help you get what you need — quickly and without judgment.

Call us: 0800 226 784Make an appointment