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Emergency contraception

The morning-after pill and your options after unprotected sex. The sooner, the better.

Speak to a GP about emergency contraceptionFrom £79

In short

Emergency contraception reduces the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, and it works best the sooner it's used. There are two pills and the copper coil; a GP can help you choose and prescribe quickly.

Overview

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when regular contraception has failed (a missed pill, a split condom). There are two tablets, levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate (ellaOne), and the copper intrauterine device (IUD), which is the most effective option. All work mainly by preventing or delaying the release of an egg.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Not applicable, emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The copper coil can be fitted up to 5 days after, and ulipristal taken up to 5 days after, but earlier is always more effective.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Severe lower abdominal pain in the weeks after (possible ectopic pregnancy, seek urgent care)
  • A positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding
  • Vomiting within 2-3 hours of taking the pill (the dose may need repeating)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A quick, confidential assessment of when unprotected sex happened and which option suits you
  • Prescription of levonorgestrel (effective up to 72 hours) where appropriate
  • Prescription of ulipristal acetate (ellaOne, effective up to 120 hours), often the better choice later in the window
  • Advice on the copper coil (IUD), the most effective emergency option, with referral to a free NHS service to fit it
  • Guidance on when to take a pregnancy test afterwards
  • A conversation about ongoing contraception if you want it

What we don't do

  • Fitting of the copper coil (referred to a free NHS sexual health service)
  • Abortion care (this is provided by dedicated NHS and specialist services)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about emergency contraception starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about emergency contraception

How soon do I need to take it?
As soon as possible. Levonorgestrel works best within 72 hours; ulipristal acetate works for up to 120 hours (5 days). Effectiveness falls the longer you wait, so don't delay.
Which morning-after pill is best?
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) is more effective, especially later in the window or around ovulation. Levonorgestrel is an option within 72 hours. The copper coil is the most effective of all if it can be fitted in time.
Will it affect my regular contraception?
Ulipristal can reduce the effect of hormonal contraception started soon after, so timing matters. We advise you on when to (re)start your usual method and how long to use extra protection.
Does it cause an abortion?
No. Emergency contraception works mainly by delaying ovulation. It does not end an established pregnancy and won't work if you are already pregnant.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about emergency contraception?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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