NHS Contraception and Morning After Pill

NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service

The NHS service offers the following through community pharmacists:

INITIATION – when starting oral contraception (OC) for the first time or after a pill-free break.
ONGOING supply – for individuals who have previously received OC from their GP or a sexual health clinic and require a further supply.

Please note: Your blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), including weight and height, will be required for this service.

Morning After Pill

The morning-after pill, also known as emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), can be taken after unprotected sex to help prevent pregnancy. It’s most effective when taken as soon as possible following the sexual encounter. If you need the pill, one of our pharmacists will conduct a brief assessment, which involves filling out a short questionnaire to determine if the treatment is right for you.

In the UK, two EHC options are available without a prescription: Levonorgestrel and EllaOne. Levonorgestrel is effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, while EllaOne can be taken up to 120 hours after the event.

During your consultation, the pharmacist will advise you on which option is most suitable. The morning-after pill should only be used in emergencies, when other contraception methods were not used or failed, and is not intended for regular use.

If you require the morning-after pill, please speak to a member of our team. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire, which the pharmacist will review with you. If appropriate, they will provide the pill or refer you to another service if the treatment is not suitable for your situation.