A new survey has shown that many women prefer to go to theri pharmacist rater than their GP if they need the'morning after pill'.

Eight out of 10 consultations with pharmacists on emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) take places within 24 hours of unprotected sex, while one in three taking place within 12 hours, according the research.

A survey by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) also found that women aged 18 to 24 accounted for nearly half of pharmacy consultations for the 'morning after pill'.

The survey also showed that one in five women with a medical card chose to get EHC from their pharmacy as opposed to getting a prescription for it from their GP.

IPU Vice-President Kathy Maher said the key message with emergency contrraception is the need to initiate it as soon as possible.

"As many community pharmacists are open throughout the weekend and late in the evening, women can get timely advice and access to EHC."

EHC has been available directly from pharmacists without a prescription since Febriuary 2011.

The survey results were presented at the IPU's National Pharmacy Conference in Maynooth at the weekend.