NHS Contraception Service

Service reviewed by Aans Memon, GPhC-registered pharmacist (GPhC - 2085817)
Oral Contraception - 1
Oral Contraception - 2
Oral Contraception - 3
1

Find a Pharmacy

Search by postcode, pick your preferred location

2

Consultation

Speak with a qualified pharmacist

3

Treatment

Same-day when clinically appropriate

NHS assurance pending: NHS Pharmacy First service delivery is blocked pending assurance evidence. This page must not be used to claim NHS-assured IT status, NHSBSA/MYS submission, live GP Connect Update Record integration, or completed automated GP record updates. NHS Pharmacy First funding and prescription-charge wording is unavailable until assurance evidence is verified.

Urgent or emergency symptoms

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you need emergency help, call 999. If you are unsure what to do next, use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.

Understanding Your Options

Combined Pill

Contains Oestrogen & Progesterone

Over 99% effective when taken correctly. Take one pill at the same time every day for 21 days, then have a 7-day break.

Mini Pill (POP)

Progesterone Only

Suitable if you cannot take oestrogen. Take one pill every day with no break. Must be taken within a 3-12 hour window.

Emergency

After Unprotected Sex

Available up to 72-120 hours after unprotected sex depending on the type. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.

When to Consider Pharmacy Contraception

This NHS service is ideal if you are starting contraception for the first time, continuing an existing prescription, or switching between pill types. The pharmacist will assess your medical history to ensure oral contraception is suitable for you. For other methods like implants, injections, coils, or patches, you will need to see your GP or visit a family planning clinic.

Who This Service Is For

This service can help if you need contraception for any of these reasons.

01

Starting Contraception

Beginning the pill for the first time

02

Continuing Prescription

Need to continue your current pill

03

Switching Pills

Want to change to a different type

04

Running Low

Need more supply before running out

05

Emergency Needs

Need emergency contraception quickly

06

Advice Needed

Questions about contraception options

Getting the Most From Your Contraception

01

Taking Your Pill

  • Take at the same time each day
  • Set a daily reminder on your phone
  • Keep pills in a visible place
  • Know what to do if you miss a pill
02

Side Effects

  • Minor side effects often settle in 3 months
  • Contact pharmacy if side effects persist
  • Report serious symptoms immediately
  • Different pills suit different people
03

Staying Protected

  • Use backup method if you miss pills
  • Some medications can reduce effectiveness
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea may affect absorption
  • Book follow-up before supply runs out

Who Can Use This Service?

Eligible

  • Women of childbearing age
  • Starting contraception for the first time
  • Continuing existing contraception
  • Switching between pill types
  • Registered with a GP in England

Not Eligible - See Your GP

  • History of blood clots
  • Migraines with aura
  • Over 35 and smoke
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Wanting non-oral contraception methods (implants, coils)

If you have certain medical conditions, want non-oral contraception methods, or the pharmacist has concerns, they will refer you to your GP or a family planning clinic for further care.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

1

Book or Walk In

Visit a participating pharmacy near you - many offer same day appointments

2

Private Consultation

Discuss your needs confidentially with a qualified pharmacist

3

Health Check

Blood pressure measurement and medical history review

4

Get Your Supply

Receive 3-6 months of free contraception plus advice on how to take it

Key Benefits

Completely free NHS service
3-6 month supply available
Private confidential consultation
No GP appointment needed
Same day appointments
Expert pharmacist advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about weight management treatment

Eligibility & Access

This NHS service is available for women of childbearing age. Whether you are starting contraception for the first time, continuing your current pill, or switching methods, our qualified pharmacists can help. The pharmacist will assess your medical history to ensure oral contraception is suitable for you.
Yes! Qualified pharmacists can initiate and continue oral contraception prescriptions after a consultation. This means you do not need a GP appointment to start or continue taking the pill, making it much more convenient to access contraception.
This service provides combined oral contraceptive pills (the combined pill) and progesterone-only pills (the mini pill or POP). For other methods like implants, injections, coils (IUDs), or patches, you will need to see your GP or visit a family planning clinic.

3 questions in this category

Take Control of Your Family Planning

Access free, confidential contraception services at your local pharmacy today

Find a Pharmacy
Assurance pending
Pilot

Find a Pharmacy

Clinical content is not an NHS-assured service route
No NHSBSA/MYS claim submission by Fylo
No live GP Connect Update Record integration
Use only with an approved pilot instruction or manual support route

NHS Pharmacy First funding and prescription-charge wording is unavailable until assurance evidence is verified.