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Morning After Pill
Emergency contraception is a time-sensitive hormonal treatment used to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, a common occurrence affecting thousands in the UK annually, often caused by condom breakage or missed birth control doses. It is typically managed through over-the-counter options or prescription-strength treatments.
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"Emergency contraceptive pills are primarily prescribed to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or when your regular method of birth control has failed. If you find yourself in this situation, time is the most critical factor, as these treatments are significantly more effective the sooner they are taken. Anyone experiencing this concern is encouraged to start an online consultation immediately to ensure you receive the most appropriate care within the effective treatment window."
— Rachael Clarke MRCPharm MFRPSI FRSPH (GPHC Number: 2061366)
You can buy emergency contraceptive pills through our secure online platform by completing a simple medical consultation that allows our clinicians to ensure the treatment is safe for you. Once approved, your medication is shipped directly from our registered UK pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560) in discreet packaging. This process provides a convenient and confidential way to access time-sensitive healthcare without needing an immediate face-to-face appointment.
Start Your Online ConsultationThe emergency contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as the "morning after pill," is an oral medication designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if a primary contraceptive method (like a condom or the pill) has failed. It works by delaying the release of an egg (ovulation), meaning there is no egg available for sperm to fertilise. It is important to note that these pills are not "abortion pills"; they will not work if you are already pregnant and will not harm an existing pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is a widely utilised healthcare service in the UK, with NHS data from 2024-25 showing that over 92,000 items were provided by dedicated sexual and reproductive health services alone. Despite a general shift toward community pharmacy access, the demand remains high, particularly among the 20 to 24 age group, where approximately 10 per 1,000 women sought emergency assistance in the last year.
The need for emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) typically arises from "upset" in regular contraceptive routines or barrier failures. Common reasons include a condom splitting or slipping during intercourse, forgetting to take your daily contraceptive pill (especially the mini-pill), or being late for a contraceptive injection. In some cases, it is sought following a sexual assault or if no contraception was used during a consensual encounter.
There are two main types of oral emergency contraceptive pills available in the UK, along with the copper intrauterine device (IUD), which is the most effective method overall. The two oral options differ in their active ingredients and the length of time they remain effective after sex.
| Feature | Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) | Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne) |
|---|---|---|
| Time Window | Up to 72 hours (3 days) | Up to 120 hours (5 days) |
| Effectiveness | 95% within 24 hours | Up to 98% effective |
| Active Ingredient | Levonorgestrel | Ulipristal acetate |
| Weight Factor | May need double dose if >70kg | Generally effective for most weights |
The most popular treatments are ellaOne and generic Levonorgestrel. ellaOne is often preferred because it remains highly effective for a longer window (up to 5 days) and can delay ovulation even when the process has already begun. Levonorgestrel is a frequently chosen option for those who act quickly (within 72 hours) and prefer a progestogen-based medication similar to many daily birth control pills.
Most women do not experience serious side effects after taking the morning after pill, though some mild physical reactions are common as your body processes the hormones. These typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours and may include:
- Nausea or feeling sick (if you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the pill, you must contact a pharmacist for a repeat dose).
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping.
- Tender breasts.
- Irregular bleeding or changes to your next period (it may be earlier, later, or heavier).
Many users report that the primary experience after taking the pill is a sense of relief, followed by slight changes in their menstrual cycle. It is common for the next period to be up to seven days late. If your period is more than a week late, or if you experience very light spotting instead of a full period, users are advised to take a pregnancy test to confirm the treatment was successful.
Most women, including those under 16 and those who are breastfeeding, can safely use the emergency contraceptive pill. However, suitability depends on your medical history and current medications. For instance, ellaOne may not be recommended if you have severe asthma treated with oral steroids, or if you have already taken a progestogen-only pill in the last seven days. Our online consultation will help identify which option is safest for you.
The emergency pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and does not provide ongoing protection for future sex. If you take ellaOne, for example, you should wait five days before starting or restarting regular hormonal contraception, as they can interfere with each other.
You should see a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic if you experience sudden, sharp pain in your lower abdomen, as this can rarely be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, seek medical advice if your period is more than seven days late, or if you suspect you may have been exposed to an STI during the encounter. A follow-up pregnancy test three weeks after treatment is always recommended for peace of mind.
Certain lifestyle factors and medications can reduce the effectiveness of oral emergency contraception. Liver enzyme-inducing medicines (used for epilepsy, TB, or HIV) and herbal remedies like St John's Wort can make the pill less effective. Furthermore, a high Body Mass Index (BMI >26 or weight >70kg) may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel, in which case a double dose or the copper IUD may be recommended by NICE guidelines.
Starting treatment is straightforward: complete our online questionnaire to provide your health details, choose your preferred medication, and our pharmacy team will review your request. Because these pills work by delaying ovulation, it is vital to start treatment as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
There are no "natural" or non-medical alternatives to emergency contraception that can effectively prevent pregnancy after sex. While the copper IUD is a "device" rather than a drug, it must still be fitted by a medical professional. "Natural cycles" or rhythm methods are not effective as emergency interventions and should only be used as part of a planned, ongoing contraception strategy.
How much does the morning after pill cost?
The cost of the morning after pill varies depending on the brand.
Can the morning after pill delay my period?
Yes, it is very common for the emergency contraceptive pill to delay your period by a few days or cause it to arrive slightly earlier. If your period is more than seven days late, you should take a pregnancy test.
Where can I get the emergency contraceptive pill for free?
In the UK, you can get the pill for free at NHS sexual health clinics, most GP surgeries, and participating pharmacies. Since October 2025, the NHS has expanded free pharmacy access across England to make it easier for women to get help without an appointment.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not replace seeking professional medical advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.
Our content is regularly reviewed by our team of medical experts and qualified pharmacists to ensure it remains up to date with current UK clinical guidelines, including the BNF and NICE standards.
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