Emergency Contraception Service

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

Levonelle

Up to 72 Hours

95% effective within 24 hours, decreasing to 58% at 48-72 hours. Most commonly used morning after pill.

ellaOne

Up to 120 Hours

95% effective throughout the full 5-day window. More effective than Levonelle, especially after 24 hours.

Time Sensitive

Act Quickly

Both types are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Do not delay.

How It Works

Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg). It does NOT cause abortion and will not work if you are already pregnant. It is not a regular contraceptive method and should only be used in emergency situations. Your fertility returns immediately after, so continue using regular contraception.

When You Might Need Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception may be needed in these situations.

01

Condom Failure

Condom broke, slipped, or came off

02

Missed Pill

Forgot regular contraceptive pill

03

No Protection

Had unprotected sex

04

Method Failed

Other contraceptive may have failed

05

Vomiting

Vomited after taking pill

06

Drug Interaction

Medication affected contraception

Important Information

01

After Taking

  • Take the pill as soon as possible
  • Can be taken with or without food
  • If you vomit within 3 hours, contact pharmacy
  • Your period may come early or late
02

Going Forward

  • Use condoms until next period
  • Take a pregnancy test if period is late
  • Consider regular contraception
  • Free follow-up advice available
03

Side Effects

  • Headache, nausea are common
  • Breast tenderness may occur
  • Period may be irregular
  • Seek help for severe symptoms

Who Can Use This Service?

Eligible

  • Women of childbearing age
  • Had unprotected sex within the last 5 days
  • Condom failure or contraceptive method failed
  • Missed regular contraceptive pills
  • No known pregnancy

Not Eligible - See Your GP

  • Already pregnant
  • More than 120 hours since unprotected sex
  • Allergic to levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate
  • Certain medical conditions (pharmacist will advise)

If you are unsure whether emergency contraception is right for you, or if you have ongoing concerns about contraception, the pharmacist can advise on GP referral or sexual health clinic services.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

1

Find Pharmacy

Walk in or book an appointment at a participating pharmacy

2

Private Consultation

Confidential discussion with trained pharmacist (10-15 mins)

3

Receive Medication

Get free emergency contraception pill immediately

4

Aftercare Advice

Guidance on regular contraception and follow-up care

Key Benefits

Free NHS service - no charges
Quick 10-15 minute consultation
Completely confidential service
Walk-in appointments available
Available up to 120 hours after
Expert pharmacist support

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about weight management treatment

Timing & Effectiveness

The sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it is. Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) works best within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, while ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. However, both are most effective when taken as soon as possible.
When taken within 24 hours, Levonelle is about 95% effective. This decreases to 85% if taken between 24-48 hours, and 58% between 48-72 hours. EllaOne is more effective and maintains around 95% effectiveness for up to 120 hours when taken promptly.

2 questions in this category

Need Emergency Contraception?

Find a pharmacy near you - available now as a free NHS service

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Assurance pending
Pilot

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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.