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Walk in or call ahead
Come in any time we're open, or call so we can see you straight away. Tell our team you'd like an emergency contraception consultation — no further details needed at the counter.
NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service
Emergency contraception, free and confidential.
Free, same-day NHS emergency contraception from a registered pharmacist — no GP appointment, no judgement, fully confidential. Walk in or call ahead, and you'll be seen in our private consultation room.
- Free on NHSCost
- 120 hoursEffective up to
- Private & confidentialConsultation
What is the Emergency Contraception Service?
Emergency contraception (sometimes called the 'morning-after pill') is medication used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure — for example a missed pill, a split condom, or a delayed regular contraceptive injection. The sooner it's taken, the more effective it is, so getting hold of it quickly matters.
Under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, our registered pharmacists can supply emergency contraception free of charge after a brief, confidential consultation. There's no need to see a GP, no need to be registered with us, and no awkward conversations at the front desk — every consultation happens in our private room.
We can supply both available oral options: levonorgestrel (effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex) and ulipristal acetate (effective up to 120 hours / 5 days). The pharmacist will help you decide which is right for you based on timing, your weight, and what other medicines you're taking. We can also signpost you to a local sexual-health service for the copper IUD, which is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
Who can use this service?
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is open to anyone who could become pregnant. There's no minimum age — if you're under 16, our pharmacist will follow Fraser guidelines, which means we can still help you confidentially as long as we're satisfied you understand the consultation.
- Adults and young people of any age who could become pregnant
- Anyone who has had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure within the last 5 days
- Walk-in or phone-ahead — no appointment, no GP referral, no Qrystal registration needed
You're not eligible if:
- If unprotected sex was more than 5 days ago — the copper IUD may still be an option, and we can refer you to a sexual-health clinic
- If you're already pregnant (emergency contraception cannot end an existing pregnancy)
- Patients with specific contraindications — the pharmacist will discuss alternatives
How an emergency contraception consultation works
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Private consultation
Our pharmacist will see you in our private consultation room. Expect a short, non-judgemental conversation about timing, your medical history, and current medicines — usually 5-10 minutes.
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Choose the right option
Together you'll decide between levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate based on what's safest and most effective for your situation. The pharmacist will explain how to take it and what to expect.
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Free supply and follow-up advice
You'll go home with the medication and clear written guidance. We'll also discuss ongoing contraception options and signpost you to STI testing or sexual-health services if you'd like.
What's included in your consultation
- Free, confidential consultation in a private room
- NHS-funded supply of levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate
- Clear written instructions on how and when to take the medication
- Advice on ongoing contraception and what to do if you've been sick after taking the pill
- Information on STI testing and where to access local sexual-health services
- Onward referral if a copper IUD or further support is more appropriate
Emergency contraception — frequently asked questions
Does this service cost anything?
No. Emergency contraception is supplied free of charge under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. There is no consultation fee and no prescription charge.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome — we aim to see you within 30 minutes. You can also call ahead and we'll have the consultation room ready when you arrive.
How soon do I need to take it?
Sooner is better. Levonorgestrel works best within 72 hours of unprotected sex; ulipristal acetate works up to 120 hours (5 days). The copper IUD is effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex or up to the earliest expected date of ovulation, whichever is later — we can refer you for that.
Is the consultation really confidential?
Yes. Conversations happen in a private consultation room and your visit is treated in strict confidence. With your consent we can update your GP record for joined-up care, but we will never do so without asking, and we can supply without your GP being notified if that's what you prefer.
I'm under 16 — can I still get this?
Yes. Our pharmacists are trained to assess Fraser competence, which means we can supply emergency contraception confidentially to under-16s as long as we're satisfied you understand the consultation. We strongly encourage you to talk to a parent, carer, or trusted adult, but it's not a requirement.
Will I get any side effects?
Most people have no significant side effects. Some experience nausea, headache, tiredness, or a slightly altered next period. If you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the pill, contact us — you may need a repeat dose.
How effective is the morning-after pill?
Both options are highly effective when taken correctly, but neither is 100% — effectiveness drops the longer you wait. For maximum protection, the copper IUD (over 99% effective) is the most reliable form of emergency contraception, and we can refer you to a clinic that fits them.
Do you offer ongoing contraception too?
We can talk through your options and signpost you to local services for ongoing prescriptions, the contraceptive injection, implant, or coil. Some pill prescriptions can be initiated through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service — ask the pharmacist on the day.
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Learn moreNeed emergency contraception today?
Walk in to Qrystal Pharmacy or call ahead — we'll see you in our private consultation room straight away. Free, confidential, no GP needed.