How to Get Free Morning After Pill?
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Sometimes things don’t go to plan, and if your contraception has failed or if you’ve had unprotected sex, there’s no need to panic. The ‘morning after pill’, ‘plan B’, or emergency contraception is available for free through NHS England services.
Seeking the morning after pill can feel confusing, urgent, and sometimes expensive if you don’t know where to go. In the England, there are several ways to access emergency contraception, so you can find an available route which works for you.
Many NHS services, including some online NHS pharmacies such as The Family Chemist, can provide the morning after pill free following a short consultation, delivered discreetly direct to your door. Emergency contraception can also be bought privately from a pharmacy or online clinic for a fast, more discreet access.
The key thing to remember is timing. The sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it is.
Where do you get the morning after pill for free?
For free emergency contraception, the NHS has you covered. Available confidentially and for free, for anyone who is in need. For access to the free morning after pill there are multiple places you can go:
NHS Pharmacies
Many brick and motor pharmacies that you’ll find in your local community now provide emergency contraception through the NHS after a short conversation with the pharmacist to ensure that it is a safe and effective choice. No appointment needed, and completely free of charge.
Some online NHS pharmacies also offer a short online consultation, allowing eligible patients to receive free emergency contraception through the NHS while benefitting from discreet delivery without needing to go far. Ideal for those who might struggle to visit their local pharmacy, or who would prefer not to.
Sexual Health Clinics or GUM Clinics
Sexual health or GUM clinics are often able to provide emergency contraception free of charge following a conversation with a specialist. Here they can also offer advice about ongoing contraception and STI testing for those who are interested.
GP Surgeries
While GP surgeries can provide emergency contraception free of charge, you may still be required to book an appointment which can cause delays. For this reason, pharmacies and sexual health clinics can offer a faster option to access.
NHS Walk-In Centres
Some walk-in centres or urgent treatment centres will be able to provide emergency contraception but should only be attended if you are unable to attend your local pharmacy or unable to access treatment elsewhere due to opening hours.
If you’re unsure: NHS 111 can help you find the nearest place that offers emergency contraception.
Is the Emergency Pill Free?
The answer depends on where you get it. While places that offer NHS services will be able to provide the morning after pill for free, private options which are also available may charge.
With The Family Chemist, we offer free NHS emergency contraception for eligible patients following a short online call with a pharmacist, or private treatment requiring an online form for those who would prefer.
Private online pharmacies or clinics can offer the emergency contraception with the option for guaranteed next day delivery, discreet remote consultations, without the need for an appointment. This might be the best option if pharmacies offering NHS services are closed, you want greater level of privacy, you want to avoid waiting for an appointment, or if there are no local services that are easily accessible.
The price for the medication usually ranges depending on the treatment that is advised depending on how long it has been since unprotected sex and your personal circumstances (e.g. medical history).
How long after sex can you take the morning after pill?
When it comes to taking emergency contraception, timing matters. The sooner that emergency contraception is taken, the more effective it is.
The two main forms of emergency contraception are:
- Levonorgestrel (e.g., Levonelle): This emergency contraception is generally recommended to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, though its efficacy decreases as time goes on.
- Ulipristal acetate (e.g., ellaOne): This type of emergency contraception can be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. It maintains higher efficacy compared to levonorgestrel as time passes, making it a more suitable option if emergency contraception is needed closer to the 5-day mark.
- Copper coil (IUD): This type of emergency contraception may be advised as it’s one of the most effective forms of emergency contraception. It works by releasing safe levels of copper into the womb which makes it difficult for sperm to get to the egg, and thin the lining of the womb so that an egg will have less chance of attaching to it. Though not available from The Family Chemist, other GP surgeries, health clinics, or communities pharmacies may offer NHS England Emergency services.
The Truth about the Morning After Pill
There are many myths about emergency contraception which can often lead to people not seeking it when it is needed. Here are some important facts:
- Safe for most people
Emergency contraception has been used safely for decades and is recommended by healthcare professionals when needed. - Does not cause an abortion
The morning after pill works by delaying or preventing ovulation, meaning an egg is not released. It does not end an existing pregnancy. - Should not replace regular contraception
The morning after pill is designed for emergencies, not as a regular contraceptive method. - You can use it more than once
Though emergency contraception should not be used as your regular contraceptive method, it is perfectly safe to use the morning after pill multiple times during your life. There is no evidence that they can affect fertility long term.
The Bottom Line
If you need emergency contraception, help is available and there’s no need to panic. The free morning after pill can be accessed thorough NHS England services including pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and online NHS pharmacies such as The Family Chemist.
Because emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken, it’s best to seek treatment quickly.
With The Family Chemist, eligible patients can receive the free morning after pill through our NHS services with delivery direct to your door.