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Morning after pill (emergency contraception) treatments and information

Do you need emergency contraception? LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor makes it easy to request the morning after pill online when you need it. Take the prescribed morning after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception pills are available for next-day delivery, next-day collection from a convenient ParcelShop or same-day pharmacy collection - no appointment needed.

Do you need emergency contraception? LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor makes it easy to request the morning after pill online when you need it. Take the prescribed morning after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception pills are available for next-day delivery, next-day collection from a convenient ParcelShop or same-day pharmacy collection - no appointment needed.

How our morning after pill service works

  1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

    5 mins

  2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

    About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

  3. Choose delivery or collection

    Next-day delivery

    Next-day collection from local ParcelShop

    Same-day pharmacy collection

What our patients say

Morning after pill options

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    About emergency contraception

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    What is the morning after pill?

    The morning after pill is a pill taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken if you forget to use protection (such as a condom), or if your contraception fails. Both types of morning after pill (Levonorgestrel and ellaOne) work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. 

    How does emergency contraception work?

    Levonorgestrel is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone hormone. Levonorgestrel primarily works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). However, it also increases the thickness of the mucus around the cervix. This can help by creating a barrier that is difficult for sperm to pass through.      

    ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which changes the way your body responds to the hormone progesterone. Ulipristal is thought to work mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation, depending on which stage of the menstrual cycle you're at.

    How effective is the morning after pill?

    The sooner you take Levonorgestrel or ellaOne after sex, the more effective it will be. Both are only effective if taken prior to ovulation. Ovulation is triggered by rising levels of the luteinising hormone (LH). After levels of LH begin to rise, Levonorgestrel is not as effective. ellaOne has been shown to continue being effective later in the cycle.

    According to a 2017 review it is estimated that 1 to 2% of women who take ellaOne after unprotected sex will become pregnant. In comparison, it's estimated that 0.6 to 2.6% of women who take Levonogrestrel after unprotected sex will become pregnant.

    How long after sex can you take the morning after pill?

    Levonorgestrel (sometimes known as the branded Levonelle) must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. 

    ellaOne must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. 

    Both pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

    Both Levonorgestrel and ellaOne can be taken more than once during your menstrual cycle.

    Taking a double dose of the morning after pill

    If you're prescribed Levonorgestrel as emergency contraception, you might be given two tablets instead of one. The standard Levonorgestrel dose is 1.5 milligrams. But some women might have to take a double dose (3mg Levonorgestrel) . This can be because of your weight (if you’re over 70kg), or if you’re taking certain medications. You can find out more here.  

    What are the potential side effect of the morning after pill?

    As with all medicines, ellaOne and Levonorgestrel can cause some side effects. Neither medicine should affect your fertility in the long term.

    The most common side effects for ellaOne include changes in mood, tiredness, headache, nausea (feeling sick)/vomiting, dizziness, period pains, pelvic/back pain, breast tenderness and abdominal (tummy) pain.                    

    The most common side effects for Levonorgestrel include tiredness, headache, nausea (feeling sick), abdominal pain, and irregular bleeding.

    What if I vomit after taking the morning after pill?

    If you’re sick within 3 hours of taking the morning after pill you should contact your doctor. You will most likely need to take another morning after pill.

    How many times can you take the morning after pill?

    You can take the morning after pill more than once in a menstrual cycle. However, it’s important to remember it should not be used as a form of regular contraception. Find out more about contraception options. 

    Morning after pill for future use

    If you want to avoid pregnancy and think there’s a chance you will have unprotected sex, you can buy the morning after pill for future use through our service.

    The most important thing is that you take emergency contraception as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex. In this respect, ordering in advance and having the pill to hand when you need it can be very helpful. However, you should not rely on the morning after pill as a method of routine contraception.

    Find out more about the getting the morning after pill in advance here

    Can you get pregnant after taking the morning after pill?

    In a small number of cases, the morning after pill is not effective and some women will become pregnant. 

    The morning after pill should not be used as a form of regular contraception. If you have unprotected sex after taking the morning after pill you will not be protected from further pregnancies. 

    Other forms of emergency contraception

    The most effective form of emergency contraception is the copper coil, also known as an intrauterine device (IUD). This can be fitted by a trained medical professional up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Once fitted, it can remain in place for several years as routine contraception.

    If you are thinking of opting for a coil, we recommend that you still take the morning after pill, just in case you can’t get a coil fitted in time.

    Can you get the morning after pill for free?

    You can get the morning after pill for free from:

    • Sexual health clinics (find your local clinic here)
    • Most GP surgeries
    • Selected pharmacies – not all pharmacies offer this  service for free, so it’s worth contacting your local pharmacy beforehand to check.  

    Can I buy the morning after pill online?

    You can request and pay for emergency contraception online. Depending on the type you need, you may or may not need a prescription. However, you will always have to answer a series of questions before receiving the pill to make sure it is clinically suitable.

    Our emergency contraception service

    Request treatment and complete your emergency contraception questionnaire. We will recommend the treatment that is safe and suitable for you.

    The morning after pill is available for discreet next day delivery, next day collection at 7000+ convenient ParcelShops, or same day pharmacy collection (if approved before 5pm Monday - Saturday).

    Subject to pharmacy opening hours. 

    Testing for STIs

    Emergency contraception does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had sex without a condom you may have been exposed to an STI. Our confidential sexual health testing clinic provides advice, tests and treatments for a range of STIs, so you can put your mind at rest.

    Alternatively, you could visit your local sexual health clinic or arrange to see your GP.

    Doctor's emergency contraception advice

    Choosing whether the morning after pill is the right option for you can be a difficult process. It often depends on how recently you had unprotected sex. We will recommend the most suitable treatment for your circumstances.

    Once you have a prescription, we can answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can ask the pharmacist for advice in private if you go in-store to collect.

    Using our emergency contraception service

    Watch the video to find out more about how the morning after pill service works, and making the most of our discreet, convenient online clinic. 

    ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil
    Name ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel) Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil)
    Active ingredient Ulipristal Acetate Levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Copper
    How it works Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Releases copper which stops an egg implanting in your womb
    When to take it Within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex Should be inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex
    Effectiveness 98-99% 97.4-99.4% 97.4-99.4% More than 99%
    Who can use it Most women Most women.

    Women taking certain medications, weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose
    Most women.

    Women weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose
    Most women
    Possibly not suitable for Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women with:
    • unexplained bleeding between periods
    • womb or cervix problems
    • An untreated STI or pelvic infection
    Price £33 We offer the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel.

    It's £10 for a single dose, £20 for a double dose
    £10 for a single dose, £20 for a double dose Free on the NHS
    Where to get it Online Doctor You can get the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel from Online Doctor Online Doctor Local sexual health clinic or GP surgery
    Protection against STIs No No No No
    Protection against pregnancy in the future No No No Protection from pregnancy for 5-10 years (depending on the type)
    ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil
    Name ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel) Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil)
    Active ingredient Ulipristal Acetate Levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Copper
    How it works Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Releases copper which stops an egg implanting in your womb
    When to take it: Within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex Should be inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex
    Effectiveness 98-99% 97.4-99.4% 97.4-99.4% More than 99%
    Who can use it Most women Most women.

    Women taking certain medications, weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose
    Most women.

    Women weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose
    Most women
    Possibly not suitable for Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women with:
    • unexplained bleeding between periods
    • womb or cervix problems
    • An untreated STI or pelvic infection
    Price £33 We offer the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel. It's £10 for a single dose, £20 for a double dose £10 for a single dose, £20 for a double dose Free on the NHS
    Where to get it Online Doctor You can get the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel from Online Doctor Online Doctor Local sexual health clinic or GP surgery
    Protection against STIs No No No No
    Protection against pregnancy in the future No No No Protection from pregnancy for 5-10 years (depending on the type)
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      Delivery and collection information

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      Next day delivery - £4.95

      • Orders approved before 5pm Monday to Friday will arrive the next day.
      • Orders approved before 3pm Saturday and Sunday will arrive the next day.

      Delivery of this medication will be unavailable during Bank Holidays. 

      Next day ParcelShop collection - £2.95

      ParcelShop collection will not be available from Friday 5pm up to Saturday 3pm.

      • Orders approved before 5pm Monday to Friday will be available to collect at your chosen ParcelShop next day.
      • Orders approved up to 3pm Sunday will be available to collect at your chosen ParcelShop on Monday.

      Same-day collection - Free

      Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day*.

      *Please note this is subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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