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Looking for a morning-after pill in Hong Kong? Here is a comprehensive guide, reviewed by Dr. Zara Chan 陳駱靈岫, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. For starter, note that there are two types of emergency contraceptive pills and both require a doctor’s prescription: Ulipristal Acetate (UPA EC Pill) and Progestogen EC Pill (LNG EC Pill).
The morning-after pill (also commonly known as Plan B) is a type of emergency contraceptive (ECP) to prevent pregnancy for women who have had unprotected sex or a failed birth control method such as a broken or slipped condom. ECPs stop or delay the release of an ovum and thus prevent fertilization. This form of contraception is intended to be used as a backup, instead of a primary birth control method. If a woman uses ECPs frequently, she is substantially more likely to become pregnant than if she uses regular contraceptives.
The Ulipristal acetate (UPA) EC Pill is only effective when used within 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, whereas the progestogen (LNG) EC pill is effective within 72 hours. Both pills stop or delay the release of eggs from the ovary. The UPA EC pill has a 1 to 2% failure rate, and the LNG EC Pill has a 2 to 3% failure rate. There is evidence to show that the sooner the contraception is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is.
It is recommended to avoid breastfeeding for 7 days after using UPA pill. The LNG pill can be used even during breastfeeding but milk expressed within 8 hours after taking the pill should be discarded. Both pills should be not used repeatedly in the same menstrual cycle and should be not be used together in the same cycle.
In Hong Kong, the morning-after pill is not available over the counter. You can only find the morning-after pill from:
The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) is a non-profit organization providing sexual and reproductive health services.
If you are married or above the age of 26, emergency contraceptive pills are available through any one of the Family Planning Association Birth Control Clinics as listed below.
Costs: HK$60-70 per dose excluding consultation fees (HK$300 approx.)
Wan Chai Clinic (G/F)
G/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, H.K. (MTR Wan Chai Station Exit B1)
Ma Tau Chung Clinic (1/F)
1/F, 105 Ma Tau Chung Road, Kln.
Wong Tai Sin Clinic
G/F, 1-2 Lung On House, Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate II, Kln.
Yuen Long Clinic (G/F)
G/F, 149-153 On Ning Road, Yuen Long, N.T. (MTR Long Ping Station Exit B2)
Tsuen Wan Clinic
Room 1621-1622, 16/F, Nan Fung Centre, 264-298 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T. (MTR Tsuen Wan Station Exit A)
If you are unmarried and under the age of 26, emergency contraceptive pills are available by appointment through the Family Planning’s Youth Health Care Centres in Hong Kong.
Costs: HK$60-70 per dose excluding consultation fees (HK$300 approx.)
Appointments can be booked by phone at:
Wan Chai Centre – 2675 4799
Mong Kok Centre – 2770 4994
Kwai Fong Centre – 2443 2773
You can attend the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) of the Hospital Authority, or Maternal & Child Health Centres. A&E services are helpful when you are in urgent need of the morning after pill and all other clinics are closed.
Costs: HK$60-70 per dose excluding consultation fees.
If you do not wish to go through the long waiting time of the public sector (A&E Departments; Maternal & Child Health Centres), you can book an appointment with a private medical doctor such as a GP or gynecologist.
Anyone can go to a private clinic or hospital, but charges may vary. If you are looking to get the morning-after pill at a private clinic, you would need to pay for the cost of the consultation and the pill.
Consultation fees vary, but generally, range between HK$280-1,050.
Costs for the emergency contraceptive pill also vary, but generally range between HK$200-380.
If you are looking for another method of emergency contraceptive in Hong Kong, a copper intrauterine contraceptive (Cu IUD) is also available. An IUD is a T-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor. This form of contraception prevents pregnancy by changing the way sperm move to prevent fertilization and makes the uterine environment unfavorable to implantation. It is effective when inserted within 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. There is a less than a 1% failure rate and is often considered the most effective emergency contraception method. This is most suitable for women who would like to have a form of long term contraception, as each IUD can be used for at least 5 years.
Side effects of a copper IUD include increased menstrual flow, menstrual pain, and an increased amount of vaginal discharge. Although not common, there is also a risk of pelvic infection following insertion.
Women who have the following conditions should consult their doctor before deciding to get a copper IUD:
Dr. Zara Chan 陳駱靈岫 is a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, practicing at OT&P Healthcare’s Woman and Child Clinic in Central. Dr. Chan is Canadian and completed her medical training at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. She received her specialist qualification from the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and is a member of the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She was an honorary lecturer at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and is currently the president of the Midwives and Maternal-Child Caregivers Association.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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