Contraception
Emergency contraception
Learn how you can access the morning after pill for FREE at Well Pharmacy.
Need emergency contraception? We're here to help.
Contraception doesn't always go to plan. Whether you've forgotten a pill, had a condom split or you're worried that your usual form of contraception hasn't worked properly, there are extra precautions you can take in order to maintain control of your reproductive health. Emergency contraception, often referred to as 'the morning after pill' - is one of them.
Emergency contraception can help reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your usual contraception fails. If you find yourself in this situation, then you can pop into your local Well Pharmacy and – if suitable – our pharmacists can supply you with the morning after pill FREE of charge, as part of the NHS emergency contraception service.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Next review: October 2029
Reviewed by: Elliott Patrick, Head of NHS Services
When should you use emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is designed to be used in an emergency when there has been a problem with your usual method of contraception – it's not intended as a replacement for regular contraception.
You might consider emergency contraception if:
- You’ve missed a pill
- You’ve been ill (sickness or diarrhoea) shortly after taking oral contraception
- A contraceptive patch or ring wasn’t used correctly
- A condom split or slipped off during sex
- You had unprotected sex
- You’re unsure whether your contraception provided protection
For the best chance of protection and to ensure you have the most options available, you should ideally seek emergency contraception as soon as you can after unprotected sex or ineffective contraception use.
What different types of emergency contraception are there?
There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pill:
- Levonorgestrel (includes brands such as Levonelle) – needs to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex or failed contraception
- Ulipristal Acetate (includes brands such as ellaOne) – needs to be taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex or failed contraception
Both oral contraceptives work by delaying ovulation, and are therefore only effective if taken before ovulation.
Despite the colloquial name, the morning after pill doesn't need to be taken the next morning in order to be effective. However, the sooner you take it, the more effective it usually is1 - so it's better to act sooner rather than later. Research suggests that around 1 to 2 women in every 100 women who take an emergency contraceptive pill will get pregnant.2
The copper coil (IUD) can also be used as a form of emergency contraception, and while it's not quite as convenient as popping into your local pharmacy, it's deemed the most effective method.
An IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or failed contraception and needs to stay put for around 3 weeks in order to be effective. After that, it's up to you whether you get it removed and return to your regular type of contraception, or if you continue with it. This form of contraception works by preventing fertilisation, as the copper ions make it difficult for the sperm to survive, meaning it can still be effective even when applied after ovulation.
How to get the morning after pill from Well Pharmacy for FREE
While the copper coil requires a medical procedure by a doctor or nurse, the emergency contraceptive pill can be picked up from your local pharmacy.
1. Pop into your local Well Pharmacy
Simply walk into your local store at your convenience, and let a member of the team know that you'd like to access emergency contraception.
2. Have a confidential chat
In the privacy of a consultation room, the pharmacist might ask a few questions to understand your specific circumstances, including your menstrual cycle and any other medicines or contraception that you're taking.
3. Get your emergency contraception
If suitable, we'll provide your emergency contraception there and then, FREE of charge.
"Needing emergency contraception can be unexpected and may feel overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be something you face alone. Whether you've missed a pill or experienced a contraception mishap and aren't sure what to do next, our pharmacists are here to offer confidential, judgement-free support, helping you understand your options and access the most appropriate care."
- Alisha Summers, Patient Safety & Experience Pharmacist
FAQs
1. Emergency contraception, NHS UK. Last reviewed January 2024.
2. How to take the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill), NHS UK. Last reviewed February 2024.
3. Where to get the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill), NHS UK. Last reviewed February 2024.