Emergency Contraception at Pharmacies
Quick, confidential access to the morning after pill at your local pharmacy. Available without prescription, often free on NHS, with expert advice from trained pharmacists.
Find Emergency Contraception PharmacyTypes of Emergency Contraception
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle, Upostelle)
Most common emergency contraceptive pill. Single 1.5mg tablet taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex, but works best within 24 hours. About 95% effective if taken within 24 hours. Available from most pharmacies, often free under 30. Costs £15-30 if paying privately.
ellaOne (Ulipristal Acetate)
More effective emergency contraceptive. Single 30mg tablet. Works up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Remains equally effective throughout the 5-day window. Better choice if you're over 70kg or using hormonal contraception. Costs £30-35, free in some pharmacies for under 30s or through sexual health services.
Getting Emergency Contraception from Pharmacies
Most UK pharmacies provide emergency contraception without prescription. The process is quick and confidential. You'll have a brief private consultation with the pharmacist who will ask when unprotected sex occurred, about your menstrual cycle and medical history, about current medications including regular contraception, and whether you've vomited recently (affects absorption). Based on this assessment, the pharmacist recommends the most suitable emergency contraceptive and provides it immediately. The entire process typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Free Emergency Contraception
Many areas in England offer free emergency contraception through pharmacy NHS services, particularly for under 25s or under 30s. Scotland provides free emergency contraception from all pharmacies regardless of age. Wales has free services in many pharmacies. Northern Ireland offers free emergency contraception through sexual health clinics and some pharmacies. Check with your local pharmacy about free provision. Even where not free, emergency contraception is available at low cost (£15-35) from all pharmacies without needing a GP appointment or prescription.
Important Information
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation - it won't harm an existing pregnancy. Emergency contraception doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - consider STI testing if at risk. After taking emergency contraception, your next period may be earlier, later, or heavier than usual. If your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test. Use condoms or abstain until your next period. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, you may need another dose.
Ongoing Contraception Advice
Pharmacists provide ongoing contraception advice alongside emergency contraception. They'll discuss regular contraception options to prevent future emergencies, explain how to use different methods correctly, provide information about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options, and refer you to sexual health services or your GP for contraception counseling. Many pharmacies also offer the NHS contraception service for ongoing pill, patch, or ring supply. Emergency contraception is safe to use multiple times, but regular contraception is more effective and cost-effective for ongoing pregnancy prevention.
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