Where to get the emergency contraceptive pill

Unprotected sex happens. Whether you’ve had a condom split or missed your pill, the good news is the emergency contraceptive pill is easy to get hold of and completely confidential - and there are a variety of access options available to suit every

One vital thing to remember is this: the sooner you can get hold of emergency contraception after unprotected sex the better, as it’s more effective the earlier you take it. Here’s how you can access the emergency contraceptive pill with ease.

How to get emergency contraception

For many, the simplest route is to order emergency contraception through a private pharmacy service. You’ll complete a short, confidential consultation about your health and circumstances, which will help a UK-registered pharmacist or clinician to identify the best option for you. 

This is because ulipristal acetate pills such as ellaOne are effective for a longer period than levonorgestrel - so if it’s been longer than 3 days but less than 5, your clinician can recommend the right form of emergency contraception. 

Once the decision has been made and approved, your medication will be dispensed to you - either in person or delivered in plain, discreet packaging. This method helps to avoid long queues in waiting rooms, getting you the service you need as soon as possible.

Emergency contraception is also available through some GP surgeries, sexual health clinics and high street pharmacies, where it's sometimes provided free of charge under local NHS arrangements. But you may prefer the private option for:

• Certainty that the service you want is available
• Saving time
• Convenience.

Can I order emergency contraception online?

The big difference between NHS pharmacies and private alternatives is that many private pharmacies operate online, allowing you to get a consultation without even having to leave your home.

This means you can request treatment whenever suits you, day or night, without needing a physical appointment or a face-to-face conversation - the ideal option for those with busy lifestyles, who find it less convenient to visit in person or who prefer a more discreet approach. 

When you order emergency contraception online with a participating pharmacy, your medication will be delivered to your door in plain packaging, so no one will know what’s inside. Your card or bank statements will often show a generic reference, too.

Deliveries typically arrive either the same day or the next day to ensure you get the medication you need as soon as possible. This is vital for emergency contraceptive pills, as efficacy is linked to how long it’s been since you had unprotected sex. 

In many cases, ordering online may be your first choice - but it’s good to be aware of when it’s not the best option. If it’s been 4 days since you had unprotected sex, then you’ll need a dose of ulipristal acetate as soon as possible - and in this case, it may be quicker to visit a pharmacy in your local area. 

For everything else, though, from planning ahead to ordering as soon as you realise you need it, online ordering is quick, private and straightforward.

How much is an emergency contraceptive pill?

When ordered online, prices can range depending on a few factors, including your pharmacy of choice and whether you choose a branded or generic version of your medication. For emergency contraceptive pills, this typically means:

• Around £10 to £30 for levonorgestrel-based pills (such as Levonelle)
• Around £20 to £35 for ellaOne, which remains effective for longer after unprotected sex.

This covers your consultation with a pharmacist, the treatment itself and discreet delivery to your door.

If you can’t afford the medication privately, the NHS offers it free of charge. For this, you’ll typically need to visit your GP, a sexual health clinic or an NHS pharmacy in person. 

For many people, the extra privacy, convenience and speed of ordering online is well worth it, particularly if getting to a pharmacy or clinic in person isn't practical.

Whichever way you choose to access emergency contraception, there's no need to feel awkward. Pharmacists and clinicians deal with these requests every day, and their only job is to help you get the care you need - quickly, discreetly and without judgement, however and whenever you decide to ask for it.