Morning After Pill in York: Free, Walk-In & When to Take It

Reviewed by GPhC Pharmacist at Priory Pharmacy Clinical Team, York

If you’ve had sex without contraception, or your contraception has failed, morning after pill can help prevent pregnancy. At The Priory Pharmacy in Acomb, you can walk in and get the emergency contraceptive pill free on the NHS, with no appointment and no prescription. The sooner you take it, the better it works.

This guide explains the types of emergency contraception, how soon each needs to be taken, what to expect at the pharmacy and what happens afterwards.

When might you need emergency contraception?

You might need it if:

• you had sex without using contraception
• a condom split, slipped off or wasn’t used for the whole time
• you missed contraceptive pills or started a new pack late
• you were sick or had severe diarrhoea soon after taking your usual pill
• you were late for your contraceptive injection

If you’re not sure whether you need it, ask a pharmacist. It’s always better to check.

Your options and how soon to use them

The pills are available from The Priory Pharmacy. If the copper coil is the best option for you, the pharmacist can tell you where to get it fitted, such as your GP practice or local sexual health service. You can take an morning after pill as well, in case you can’t get the coil fitted.

How does the morning after pill work?

Emergency contraceptive pills work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation, the release of an egg. They don’t cause an abortion and won’t affect a pregnancy that has already started. They also won’t protect you against pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again later in the same cycle.

What happens at the pharmacy

1. Ask to speak to the pharmacist. You’ll talk in our private consultation room.
2. They’ll ask when you had unprotected sex, the date of your last period, whether you use any contraception and whether you take other medicines.
3. They’ll recommend the most suitable option for you.

The consultation is confidential. You don’t need to bring anything, but it helps to know the date of your last period.

Things that can affect how well it works

• Your weight. Levonorgestrel may be less effective if you weigh more than 70kg or have a BMI over 26. The pharmacist may recommend ulipristal or a higher dose of levonorgestrel.
• Other medicines. Some medicines for epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis, and the herbal remedy St John’s wort, can make emergency pills less effective. Tell the pharmacist about everything you take.
• Being sick. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, go back to the pharmacy, as you may need another dose.

After taking emergency contraception

Your next period may come earlier or later than usual. Take a pregnancy test if:

• your period is more than 7 days late
• your period is shorter or lighter than usual
• you have any pain low in your tummy, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy and needs urgent medical advice

Some people feel sick, have a headache or tummy pain, or have some irregular bleeding after taking the pill. These usually pass quickly.

Starting or restarting regular contraception

Emergency contraception is a back-up, not a regular method. If you don’t use ongoing contraception, ask the pharmacist about the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, which lets you start the contraceptive pill without seeing a GP.

If you take ulipristal, you’ll need to wait 5 days before starting or restarting hormonal contraception, and use condoms in the meantime. The pharmacist will explain what to do.

Don’t forget about STIs

Emergency contraception doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections. If you’ve had unprotected sex, consider getting tested. Your local sexual health service offers free, confidential testing, and many tests can be done at home.

If you need emergency contraception, don’t wait. It works best the sooner you take it. The Priory Pharmacy at Priory Medical Centre, Acomb, offers free, confidential, walk-in emergency contraception. Pop in or call 01904 404101.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health or the health of someone you care for, speak to a pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111.