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Morning after pill treatments and information

Request the morning after pill if you need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Take the prescribed pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Available for same-day collection.

Request the morning after pill if you need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Take the prescribed pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Available for same-day collection.

Request emergency contraception View treatment options

About emergency contraception

  • 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 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.

  • How it works

    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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Side effects

    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.

  • 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 clinic

    Request treatment and complete your emergency contraception questionnaire. We will recommend the treatment that is safe and suitable for you. Available for discreet collection in-store only.

  • Where can I get the morning after pill for free?

    You can get the morning after pill for free from most GP surgeries, pharmacies or sexual health clinics. You can find your local sexual health clinic here.  

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More advice about emergency contraception

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      Order before 4pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Collect from one of our 1,500 LloydsPharmacy stores, including selected Sainsbury's.

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