Emergency Contraception & Morning After Pill
Need the morning after pill urgently? Order emergency contraception online from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy with same-day dispatch, fast delivery and discreet packaging.
About The Morning After Pill
What Is Emergency Contraception (EC) and How Does It Work?
Emergency Contraception (EC), also known as the morning after pill, is a form of birth control designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation, making it harder for sperm to fertilise an egg. EC is highly effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours but up to 120 hours for some options.
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraception works in three primary ways to prevent pregnancy:
Preventing Ovulation: The morning after pill prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries, stopping fertilisation from occurring.
Thickening Cervical Mucus: It makes the cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg.
Thinning the Uterine Lining: It may alter the lining of the uterus, reducing the chances of a fertilised egg implanting.
Types of Emergency Contraception Pills
There are two main types of morning after pills available in the UK:
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle): This is a progestogen-only emergency contraception and is effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It is most effective when used as soon as possible.
Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne): This pill is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. It works by delaying or inhibiting ovulation and is more effective than Levonorgestrel after 72 hours.
Treatments
Contraception
Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Buy emergency contraception online from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy with a quick confidential consultation and fast approval. We offer discreet packaging and next-day UK delivery, making it simple to access urgent contraception when you need it most.
More Information
When Should I Take Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception effectiveness depends on:
How quickly you take it
Where you are in your menstrual cycle
The type of morning after pill used
When taken promptly, the morning after pill significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. However, it should not replace regular contraception such as the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch, implant, or coil.
How Effective Is the Morning After Pill?
Emergency contraception is highly effective when taken correctly:
Levonorgestrel: About 85% effective within 24 hours; effectiveness decreases after 72 hours.
Ulipristal acetate: Over 95% effective if taken early, up to 120 hours after sex.
Effectiveness depends on timing, menstrual cycle, and body weight.
What is the difference between ellaOne and Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel is licensed for use within 72 hours of unprotected sex, while ellaOne (ulipristal acetate) can be taken up to 120 hours after. Ulipristal may be more effective later in the cycle or closer to ovulation.
Is emergency contraception safe?
Yes, emergency contraception is considered safe for most women. It has been widely used in the UK for many years. A pharmacist or clinician will review your health information to ensure suitability.
Do I need a prescription to get emergency contraception in the UK?
Emergency contraception is available without a GP prescription, but a pharmacist consultation is required. Online services allow you to complete this confidentially, enabling fast, next-day UK delivery.
If you need to buy emergency contraception online, our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy offers:
Confidential online consultation
Fast pharmacist approval
Secure checkout
Discreet packaging
Next-day UK delivery
Our online emergency contraception service is designed to provide safe, private and reliable access to the morning after pill across the UK.
Does the morning after pill cause abortion?
No. Emergency contraception prevents or delays ovulation. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy and will not work if implantation has already occurred.
FAQ's
Can I buy the morning after pill in advance?
Yes, some women choose to buy emergency contraception online in advance for peace of mind. However, it should only be taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Do I need a prescription for emergency contraception in the UK?
Emergency contraception does not require a GP prescription, but it does require a pharmacist consultation. When you buy the morning after pill online, a registered pharmacist reviews your answers before approving treatment.
Can I take emergency contraception while breastfeeding?
Levonorgestrel can usually be taken while breastfeeding. Ulipristal acetate may require a short pause in breastfeeding. Always follow pharmacist advice and product guidance before taking the morning after pill while breastfeeding.
Can I take the morning after pill if I’m overweight?
Weight and BMI can affect how well certain types of emergency contraception work. Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) may be recommended over Levonorgestrel for women with a higher BMI. A pharmacist will review your health information to recommend the most suitable option.
How much does emergency contraception cost in the UK?
The cost of the morning after pill in the UK varies depending on the type (Levonorgestrel or ellaOne) and delivery option. Buying emergency contraception online with next-day delivery may offer convenience and privacy compared to in-store purchase.
What happens if I take the morning after pill more than once?
Emergency contraception can be taken more than once in a cycle if needed, but it should not be used as regular contraception. If you find yourself needing the morning after pill frequently, consider speaking to a pharmacist about long-term contraceptive options.