How do i get emergency contraception in italy?

July 25, 2006 2:58 AM

How do I (as a foreigner, but an EU citizen) go about getting the morning after pill in Italy? Furthermore, what is the italian for the term?
posted by jrengreen to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

We had this exact question for Spain not that long ago... here's the thread.
posted by Dunwitty at 3:21 AM on July 25, 2006

You have to get a presciption from a doctor. You don't say where you are, so I can't help you with specific places but in general, you'll want to go to the ER.

I say specific places as there are doctors who refuse to prescribe it on moral grounds and I've heard more than a few stories about having to go to 2 or 3 ER's before finding someone who will presribe it (Italy's health care can be fantastic but it is a totally byzantine system of at times. I say this as a forenger who has lived here for some time and speaks the language.)

If you give a hint as to where you currently are, I might be able to dig up some better information for you.

Your profile says you're from the UK so if you're in a major city, your consulate might have a list of English speaking docs on hand, which might be a faster, if more costly, option.

The morning after pill is la pillola del giorno dopo.
posted by romakimmy at 4:16 AM on July 25, 2006

of
posted by romakimmy at 4:17 AM on July 25, 2006

Well, I couldn't find a similar list during a quick search of the UK consulate's website, but mine has a few which may or may not prove helpful depending on where you are and what the doc's like.
posted by romakimmy at 4:30 AM on July 25, 2006

Shit, I totally forgot - get it done today. That may seem rather obvious considering that it's always better to take the MAP sooner rather than later, but tomorrow is a national pharmacist's strike which is just going to make things even more of a pain in the ass.

The Farmacie Comunali (ie City-run pharmacies) will be open, though.

Sorry for the multiple posts.
posted by romakimmy at 4:48 AM on July 25, 2006

if you have access to birth control you can always just use that.
posted by killyb at 7:18 AM on July 25, 2006

If you don't get the 'script today, don't despair. It can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, so you've got a bit of time. Just sooner is better.

Your profile says you're male, so just a reminder that the woman in your life will need to go get a prescription, you can't just go out and pick it up for her. (this is probably obvious but just in case)

And be prepared for her to feel fairly sick for a day. I experienced a lot of nausea for about 12 hours after I took it when a condom broke. YMM, of course, V.
posted by raedyn at 7:24 AM on July 25, 2006

I had to do this twice in Rome, once with an Italian girl who was quite prepared to give the pharmacies a hard time. Both times we had to go to the ER. But we got it. (And of course it was free - if memory serves. Once in 1996 and once in 2000 -- I'm not that much of a whore.)

If you're in Rome, Ospedale Nuovo Regina Margherita (just of Viale Trastevere, on via Emilio Morosini) did it for us.
posted by NailsTheCat at 2:48 PM on July 25, 2006