NHS Emergency Contraception Service

Fast, confidential access to the morning-after pill from our trained pharmacists

If you’ve had unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure (e.g., split condom, missed pill), our pharmacy can provide emergency contraception quickly, confidentially and free of charge for eligible patients.

Our pharmacists are specially trained to assess your situation and help you choose the most effective option.

What Is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. There are two main types available from the pharmacy:

1. Levonorgestrel Pill (LNG) – e.g., Levonelle

Most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days)

If more than 72 hours have passed, we will advise on the most suitable alternative, such as ellaOne or referral for a copper coil.

Works by delaying ovulation

2. Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) – e.g., ellaOne

Most effective pill option

Works up to 120 hours (5 days)

Preferable if ovulation is close or has already started

3. Copper Coil (IUD) – via GP or sexual health clinic

Most effective method overall. Can be fitted up to 120 hours (5 days)

Also gives ongoing contraception

We can signpost and advise if this is the best option for you

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Get Emergency Contraception?

You may be eligible if:

  • You’ve had unprotected sex

  • Your regular contraception failed (missed pills, vomiting after a pill, split condom)

  • You’re within 3–5 days of the incident

  • You are medically suitable for either LNG or UPA

We can usually provide it to people age 16+ under NHS supply.

Patients under 16 can still be assessed confidentially — the pharmacist will follow safeguarding guidelines.

When It May Not Be Suitable

The pharmacist will assess you to ensure the medicine is safe. Emergency contraception may not be suitable if:

  • It has been more than 5 days since unprotected sex

  • You are already pregnant (EC will not end an existing pregnancy)

  • You are taking certain medications (enzyme inducers, certain antacids for UPA, etc.)

  • You have uncontrolled asthma (UPA caution)

  • You weigh over 70kg (LNG may be less effective; UPA or IUD may be better)

Don’t worry — we will advise the best and most effective option for your situation.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Get Emergency Contraception?

You may be eligible if:

  • You’ve had unprotected sex

  • Your regular contraception failed (missed pills, vomiting after a pill, split condom)

  • You’re within 3–5 days of the incident

  • You are medically suitable for either LNG or UPA

We can usually provide it to people age 16+ under NHS supply.

Patients under 16 can still be assessed confidentially — the pharmacist will follow safeguarding guidelines.

When It May Not Be Suitable

The pharmacist will assess you to ensure the medicine is safe. Emergency contraception may not be suitable if:

  • It has been more than 5 days since unprotected sex

  • You are already pregnant (EC will not end an existing pregnancy)

  • You are taking certain medications (enzyme inducers, certain antacids for UPA, etc.)

  • You have uncontrolled asthma (UPA caution)

  • You weigh over 70kg (LNG may be less effective; UPA or IUD may be better)

Don’t worry — we will advise the best and most effective option for your situation.

How the Service Works

Private consultation

You’ll speak to a pharmacist in a private room
Everything is confidential

Assessment

We’ll ask about timing of intercourse, menstrual cycle, medical history

Recommendation & supply

We will offer the most effective method for your circumstances
If appropriate, you will receive the pill during the consultation

Advice & follow-up

What to expect
When to take a pregnancy test
How to restart or continue your regular contraception
When to seek medical advice

How Effective Is Emergency Contraception?

Effectiveness depends on which method you use and how soon you take it:

The sooner you take it, the better it works.

Frequently asked questions

Most people do not experience side effects, but possible ones include:

Nausea

Spotting or irregular bleeding

Headache

Mild abdominal pain

Earlier or later period

If your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.

Free on the NHS unless patient is unsuitable for the service.

No. It does not affect an existing pregnancy. It works by delaying ovulation.

No. There are no long-term effects on fertility.

Yes, but it shouldn’t replace regular contraception. We can help you set up ongoing options.

After UPA, wait 5 days before restarting hormonal contraception

After LNG, you can restart immediately

We’ll explain exactly what to do.

Need Help Now?

You can walk in anytime during our opening hours, or call ahead if you prefer.

Confidential, supportive, and judgement-free — we’re here to help.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.