Where can I get emergency contraception? - Your contraception guide

It depends what type of emergency contraception you use.

There are 2 methods:

the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill) – there are 2 types, Levonelle or ellaOne
the intrauterine device (IUD), or coil

The emergency contraceptive pill

You can get both Levonelle and ellaOne free of charge from:

contraception clinics
Brook centres
some pharmacies (find a pharmacy – ask if they provide free emergency contraception)
most sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
most GP surgeries (find a GP)
some hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments

You can also buy Levonelle and ellaOne from most pharmacies, and from some organisations such as BPAS.

Levonelle can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex, but it's most effective if taken within 12 hours of having unprotected sex. Prices vary, but it's likely to cost around £25. You need to be 16 or over to buy Levonelle. If you are under 16 you will need a prescription from a doctor to get it.
ellaOne can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of having unprotected sex, but it's most effective if taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. Prices vary, but it's likely to cost around £35. If you are under 16, you can buy ellaOne without a prescription.

The IUD is the most effective type of emergency contraception. It is placed inside your womb and it must be fitted by a doctor or nurse.

It must be fitted within 5 days of having unprotected sex, or, if it's possible to estimate when you ovulate, up to 5 days after you ovulate.

You can keep the IUD in as your regular method of contraception, or a doctor or nurse can remove it during your next period.

Page last reviewed: 22 June 2024
Next review due: 22 June 2024