Emergency Hormonal Contraception (Morning After Pill)
Our teams are professionally trained to provide you with the highest standard of treatments and services, so every time you visit, you leave with a positive experience.
Our teams are professionally trained to provide you with the highest standard of treatments and services, so every time you visit, you leave with a positive experience.
If you have had unprotected sex or your regular contraception has failed, emergency hormonal contraception can help prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Often referred to as the morning after pill, emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. At Allied Pharmacies, we provide a confidential, discreet emergency contraception service with no appointment needed. Our trained pharmacists are here to support you, answer your questions, and ensure you receive the right treatment quickly and without judgement.
Emergency hormonal contraception is a type of medication designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is not intended as a regular form of contraception but serves as an important backup option when needed. According to the NHS, there are two main types of emergency contraceptive pill available in the UK:
Both types of emergency contraception are safe for most women, though our pharmacist will carry out a brief consultation to ensure the most suitable option is recommended for you based on your individual circumstances and medical history.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on how quickly it is taken after unprotected sex. The NHS advises that the sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it usually is. Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours and can prevent up to 95 percent of pregnancies if taken within 24 hours. Its effectiveness decreases as time passes. Ulipristal acetate remains effective for up to five days after unprotected sex and is generally considered more effective than levonorgestrel, particularly in the later time window between 72 and 120 hours.
It is important to understand that emergency contraception is not 100 percent effective and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you are concerned about STIs, our pharmacists can advise you on appropriate testing and treatment options.
You should consider taking emergency contraception if any of the following apply:
Time is an important factor, so we encourage you to visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch as soon as possible. Our pharmacists will ensure your consultation is handled quickly and with complete confidentiality.
Emergency contraception is generally well tolerated, but like all medications it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, tiredness, dizziness, and changes to your next period. Your period may arrive earlier or later than expected, and it may be heavier or lighter than usual. If you vomit within two hours of taking levonorgestrel or within three hours of taking ulipristal acetate, the pill may not have been absorbed and you should seek advice as a replacement dose may be needed.
These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms after taking emergency contraception, our pharmacists are available to provide further advice and reassurance.
Emergency contraception is designed as a one-off measure and should not be relied upon as a regular method of birth control. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, our pharmacists can discuss your ongoing contraception options and help you find a method that suits your lifestyle and health needs. We offer a bridging contraception service that provides you with a supply of regular contraception to use while you arrange a longer-term solution with your GP or sexual health clinic.
Options for regular contraception include the combined pill, progesterone-only pill, contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, and intrauterine devices. Our pharmacists can explain how each method works, its effectiveness, and any potential side effects to help you make an informed choice.
Emergency contraception is suitable for most women of childbearing age. However, there are certain factors that may affect which type is most appropriate for you. Levonorgestrel may be less effective in women who weigh over 70kg or have a BMI above 26, while ulipristal acetate may be less effective in women who weigh over 85kg or have a BMI above 30. Our pharmacist will take these factors into account during your consultation.
If you are already taking certain medications, such as enzyme-inducing drugs or St John's Wort, these can reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill. It is important to tell our pharmacist about any medications you are currently taking so they can advise you accordingly. If you are breastfeeding, levonorgestrel is generally considered safe to use, while ulipristal acetate requires you to express and discard breast milk for a period after taking it. Our pharmacists will explain all of these considerations clearly during your consultation to ensure you receive the safest and most effective option.
Getting emergency contraception at Allied Pharmacies is straightforward and confidential. Simply visit any of our branches and ask to speak to a pharmacist about emergency contraception. You do not need an appointment. Our pharmacist will conduct a brief, private consultation to understand your situation, check your medical history, and recommend the most appropriate emergency contraceptive option for you.
The consultation is carried out in a private consultation room to ensure your comfort and confidentiality. If the morning after pill is suitable, it will be provided to you immediately so you can take it without delay. Our pharmacist will also explain any potential side effects, answer your questions, and discuss ongoing contraception if you wish.
Allied Pharmacies offers a discreet, professional, and supportive emergency contraception service designed to put you at ease during what can be a stressful time. Our pharmacists are trained to handle these consultations with sensitivity and without judgement. Key benefits of our service include:
You may also be interested in these related services available at Allied Pharmacies:
Visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch for confidential, same-day emergency contraception. Our pharmacists are available to help you access the morning after pill and provide expert advice on your contraceptive options. For more information about emergency contraception, visit the NHS emergency contraception guide.
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