We’ve all had moments when contraception doesn’t quite go as expected. In England, women aged 20 to 24 are the most likely to need emergency contraception, with around 10 in every 1,000 requiring it each year — a reminder of how common and serious unprotected sex or contraceptive failure can be. Acting quickly is essential, as timely use of emergency hormonal contraception in the UK gives you the best chance of preventing pregnancy and protecting your reproductive health.
This guide explains when to take it, how effective it is, and where to get emergency contraception in the UK.
What is emergency hormonal contraception, and how does it work?
Emergency hormonal contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a split condom or missed pill. It works mainly by delaying or stopping ovulation, so an egg is not released for fertilisation.
There are two main types of morning-after pills available in the UK:
Levonorgestrel-based pill (Levonelle)
- Works best when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
- Effectiveness reduces with time, so take it as soon as possible.
- Available without a prescription at most pharmacies.
Ulipristal acetate pill (ellaOne)
- Effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
- Often more effective than levonorgestrel, especially closer to ovulation.
- Should not be used if you’ve taken hormonal contraception within the last 5 days, as it can interfere with how the pill works.
Neither option causes abortion nor affects an existing pregnancy. They only help prevent pregnancy before it occurs.
How soon after unprotected sex should you take the morning-after pill?
Timing is very important. The sooner emergency contraception is taken, the higher its effectiveness.
Ideal timing
- Within 12 hours: Most effective window.
- Within 24–48 hours: Still highly effective.
- After 72 hours: Levonorgestrel may start to lose effectiveness, but ellaOne remains an option for up to 5 days.
Common reasons you might need it
- Missed your regular contraceptive pill for two or more days.
- The condom broke or slipped off.
- No contraception was used.
Whatever the reason, taking the morning-after pill promptly offers the best protection.
Where can you get emergency contraception in the UK?
If you’re wondering where to get emergency contraception in the UK, there are several trusted routes:
Pharmacy emergency contraception
Our pharmacists can supply emergency contraception directly and offer confidential advice on which option suits your needs. It’s often the quickest and most convenient way to get the morning-after pill, without needing an appointment.
NHS emergency contraception services
If you prefer, free emergency contraception is also available through sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries, NHS walk-in centres, and a few A&E departments. Pharmacy-based NHS services make it easy to access care quickly, often without needing an appointment.
Online services
You can also order emergency contraception through trusted UK online pharmacies for discreet home delivery or click-and-collect options.
How effective is emergency hormonal contraception?
Emergency contraception works best when taken promptly, but no method is 100% guaranteed.
Effectiveness overview
- Levonorgestrel (within 3 days): Effective for most users when taken promptly.
- Ulipristal acetate (within 5 days): Effective throughout the 5-day window.
- Copper IUD: The most effective form of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or up to 5 days after ovulation.
Roughly 1 to 3 in 100 people may still become pregnant after taking an emergency pill, depending on timing and individual factors.
If you vomit after taking the pill
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking emergency contraception, it may not have been absorbed. You’ll need to take another dose or speak to our pharmacist about an alternative. If vomiting continues, seek advice promptly.
What to expect after taking emergency contraception
You may notice mild and short-lived side effects such as:
- Nausea or tiredness
- Slight changes to your next period (earlier, later, lighter, or heavier)
- Temporary breast tenderness or headaches
If your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test to make sure the pill worked as expected.
Restarting your regular contraception
- After levonorgestrel, you can resume your usual contraception straight away but should use condoms or avoid sex for 7 days until your regular method is effective again.
- After ulipristal acetate, wait 5 days before restarting hormonal contraception, and use condoms or avoid sex during that time to maintain protection.
Are there other emergency contraception options?
Yes. If it’s been more than 5 days since unprotected sex, a copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective option. It can prevent pregnancy even after ovulation and provides reliable contraception for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type, once fitted.
Ready to take control of your reproductive health?
If you need emergency hormonal contraception in the UK, Townsend Pharmacy offers a fast, discreet, and confidential service. Our pharmacists can advise on the best timing and method based on your needs, whether in-person or online.
Book an appointment today at Townsend Pharmacy and get confidential, expert advice from our friendly pharmacists.
FAQs
- How long after unprotected sex can I take emergency hormonal contraception?
You should take emergency hormonal contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel-based pills can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days), while ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days). However, both are more effective the sooner they’re taken. If more than 5 days have passed, a copper IUD is the most effective option.
- Can I take the morning-after pill if I’m already on hormonal contraception?
Yes, but the type of emergency contraception matters. If you use regular hormonal contraception (such as the combined or mini pill) and have missed two or more doses, you can take levonorgestrel safely. However, ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception and should only be used if you avoid restarting your regular method for 5 days afterwards. During this time, use condoms or avoid sex.
- What should I do if I vomit after taking the morning-after pill?
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, it might not have been absorbed properly. You should take another dose as soon as possible or visit our pharmacy for advice on an alternative method.
- Can I use emergency contraception more than once in the same month?
Yes, you can use emergency contraception more than once in the same cycle if needed. However, it’s not meant to replace regular contraception, as frequent use can cause changes to your period and make your cycle harder to predict. If you find you need it often, speak to one of our pharmacists about more reliable long-term options such as the pill, patch, or coil.
- Does taking the morning-after pill affect future fertility?
No, emergency hormonal contraception has no long-term impact on fertility. Your next period might come slightly earlier or later than usual, but your ability to become pregnant in the future remains unchanged. If your period is delayed by more than 7 days, take a pregnancy test to ensure the pill worked effectively.
- Does emergency contraception protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, the morning-after pill and other forms of emergency contraception do not protect against STIs. Only condoms can reduce the risk of infection. If you’ve had unprotected sex, it’s sensible to arrange an STI test as well as use emergency contraception, especially if it’s a new partner or you’re unsure of their sexual health status.