Emergency contraception · Confidential
Morning-after pill in Geneva: confidential pharmacy consultation
Available without a prescription after a short, confidential consultation with a pharmacist, in English, with no appointment needed.
In short
In Geneva, as everywhere in Switzerland, the morning-after pill is available from any pharmacy without a prescription or age limit, after a short confidential consultation with a pharmacist.
- At Pharmacie de Cologny in Geneva, this takes place in a private area, in English if you prefer.
- Depending on the pill, take it within 72 or 120 hours: the sooner, the better.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure: a forgotten pill, a torn or slipped condom, a late contraceptive injection. The morning-after pill mainly works by delaying ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
| Option | Time limit after unprotected sex | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel pill | Up to 72 hours (3 days) | Pharmacy, without prescription, after consultation |
| Ulipristal acetate pill | Up to 120 hours (5 days) | Pharmacy, without prescription, after consultation |
| Copper IUD (coil) | Up to 5 days | Gynaecologist or sexual health centre |
What happens during the consultation?
- Come in person. No appointment needed during opening hours. The consultation is with the person who will take the pill; a partner cannot do it on her behalf.
- Private discussion. In our consultation area, the pharmacist asks a few questions: date of the risk, date of your last period, current contraception, medicines you take, breastfeeding, weight. These questions help choose the most effective option for you.
- The right pill. You usually take the tablet at the pharmacy, with a glass of water.
- Advice for afterwards. We explain what to do with your usual contraception, when to do a pregnancy test and where to get tested for infections if needed.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Emergency contraception consultation and pill | On request |
Cost should never be a reason to go without: some sexual health centres in Geneva, such as the sexual health and family planning unit of the University Hospitals (HUG), offer reduced prices for certain people, particularly young people. Ask us for their details.
After taking the morning-after pill
- If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, come back to the pharmacy: another dose may be needed.
- Your next period may come a few days early or late.
- Use condoms until your next period, and follow our advice for restarting your usual contraception.
- Do a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late or unusually light: see our rapid tests page.
- Consider testing for sexually transmitted infections if there was a risk.
Emergency
See a doctor if you have severe pain in the lower abdomen, unusual bleeding, or if your period does not arrive. If the unprotected sex was not consensual, you can get help and medical care at any time at the HUG gynaecology and obstetrics emergency department; in an emergency, call 144 or the police on 117.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get the morning-after pill in Geneva?
In any pharmacy, without a prescription, after a short consultation with a pharmacist. At Pharmacie de Cologny, Place du Manoir 20, no appointment is needed during opening hours. On Sundays, go to the Geneva on-call pharmacy.
Is there an age limit for the morning-after pill in Switzerland?
No. It is available without an age limit. The pharmacist makes sure you understand the treatment, and the consultation remains confidential, including for minors.
How late can I take the morning-after pill?
Up to 72 hours after unprotected sex for levonorgestrel and up to 120 hours for ulipristal acetate. The earlier it is taken, the more effective it is, so do not wait for the next day.
Is the morning-after pill covered by health insurance?
No, it is not reimbursed by basic insurance. Some sexual health centres, such as the HUG sexual health and family planning unit, offer reduced prices for certain people.
Can my partner buy the morning-after pill for me?
The consultation should be with the person who will take the pill, as the pharmacist needs information only she can give. If you cannot come, call us to discuss the options.
Pharmacie de Cologny
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