One in four women between the ages of 18 and 24 have had unprotected sex because they were unable to get a repeat prescription for their oral contraception a survey shows.
New research by Lloydspharmacy found that 64 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds take the pill; yet 25 per cent place themselves at risk of unwanted pregnancy by having sex after running out of pills.
One in four women between the ages of 18 and 24 have had unprotected sex because they were unable to get a repeat prescription for their oral contraception a survey shows.
New research by Lloydspharmacy found that 64 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds take the pill; yet 25 per cent place themselves at risk of unwanted pregnancy by having sex after running out of pills.
Visiting a doctor to obtain a repeat prescription can be difficult for young women, with one in ten admitting that they find it hard to make an appointment that is convenient for them.
As a result, 40 per cent revealed that they have run out of the pill at some stage.
Chris Frost, head of medicines at Lloydspharmacy, said that the statistic was "worrying".
"It's interesting to see just how many young women will take such a huge risk because they have either forgotten to pick up a repeat prescription or have not had time to go to the doctors because of work or child pressures."
The combined pill is over 99 per cent effective if taken according to the instructions, according to the Family Planning Association.
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