Emergency Contraception

FREE NHS SERVICE

If you have had unprotected sex or your contraception failed, we can help today. Emergency contraception is free on the NHS at our pharmacy, supplied in a short, private, judgement-free consultation. It works best the sooner you take it, so walk straight in or book the next time today.

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Free on the NHS, pill included. Walk straight in whenever we are open, or book the next available time today.
  • Come in or book today
  • Short private consultation
  • Supplied on the spot
  • Free, pill included
  • Completely confidential
  • Same-day, no prescription needed

The service

Free emergency contraception, no judgement

Emergency contraception, often called the morning after pill, prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraception failure, such as a split condom or missed pills. It is now free on the NHS at our pharmacy, both the consultation and the pill itself. Our pharmacist sees you promptly in a private room, works out which option suits you, and supplies it on the spot.

One thing matters more than anything else, and that is time. Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken, ideally within 24 hours, so come in now rather than waiting for a convenient moment. Accidents happen to everyone, and helping calmly and quickly is exactly what we are here for.

Your options

Help today, whatever the timing

There are two types of emergency contraceptive pill with different time windows, and our pharmacist chooses the right one with you based on timing, your health and any medicines you take. Every option below is supplied free where clinically appropriate, in line with NHS protocols.

Emergency pill, within 3 days

Within 72 hours

The standard morning after pill, taken as a single dose up to 3 days after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it the better it works, so today beats tomorrow.

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Emergency pill, within 5 days

Within 120 hours

A different single-dose pill that works up to 5 days after, and is also the stronger choice in some situations. Our pharmacist will tell you if it is the right one for you.

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Start regular contraception too

Same visit

Never want this scramble again? Under the NHS contraception service we can start you on the pill at the very same visit, free, so you leave covered going forward.

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Simple and quick

How it works

Come in or book today

Walk straight in to Erdington Community Pharmacy at 213 High Street, no appointment needed, or book the next available time online. Ask at the counter for a private consultation and you will be seen quickly.

Short private consultation

A few minutes in our private room. The pharmacist asks when the risk happened, about your cycle, health and any medicines, then recommends the option that will work best for your situation.

Supplied on the spot

You take or leave with the pill straight away, free of charge, with clear advice on what to expect afterwards. We can also start you on regular contraception at the same visit if you want it.

Everything is free and confidential. If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, come back to us, as you may need another dose. The copper coil is the most effective emergency contraception of all and can be fitted up to five days after, so ask us and we will help you reach a fitting service quickly if that is the better route.

Good to know

When to use emergency contraception

  • After unprotected sex, whatever the circumstances
  • After a condom split, slipped or came off
  • After missed or late contraceptive pills, or a late injection
  • After vomiting or severe diarrhoea while on the pill, which can stop it working

Afterwards, what to watch for

Emergency contraception is very safe, and side effects are usually mild and brief. A few things afterwards do need action.

  • Vomiting within 3 hours of taking the pill, come back as you may need another dose
  • Your next period more than 7 days late, lighter than usual, or absent, take a pregnancy test
  • Severe one-sided lower tummy pain in the weeks after, seek urgent care the same day, as this can signal an ectopic pregnancy
  • It has been more than 5 days since the risk, contact a sexual health clinic about the copper coil rather than waiting

Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so consider a check-up if there is any chance of exposure. For urgent advice any time, call NHS 111.

Your local pharmacy

Why Erdington Community Pharmacy

NHS commissioned service

We supply emergency contraception free on behalf of the NHS, following the same clinical protocols as every provider in England.

GPhC-registered pharmacy

Premises No. 1107990, under Superintendent Pharmacist Mohammad Luqman Ghani (GPhC 2220694).

Private consultation room

Every consultation happens in a private room at 213 High Street, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6SS, quickly and without judgement.

Common questions

Emergency contraception FAQs

Is emergency contraception really free?
Yes. Both the consultation and the pill are free on the NHS at our pharmacy, with nothing to pay and no prescription needed. You will be seen in our private room, and the whole thing usually takes a few minutes.
How quickly do I need to take it?
As soon as possible. Despite the name, the morning after pill works for up to 3 or 5 days depending on the type, but effectiveness drops with every day that passes, and it is at its best within 24 hours. If you are reading this wondering whether to come in now or tomorrow, come in now.
Is it the same as the abortion pill?
No, and this is a common worry we are glad to clear up. Emergency contraception works by delaying ovulation so a pregnancy does not start. It does not end an existing pregnancy, and it is not an abortion. If you are already pregnant it will not work, which is another reason speed matters.
Will it affect my periods or future fertility?
It has no effect on your future fertility at all. Your next period may come a few days early or late, and some people get temporary side effects like nausea, headache or breast tenderness that settle within a day or two. If your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Is it confidential? Will anyone judge me?
Completely confidential, and absolutely not. Needing emergency contraception is one of the most ordinary reasons anyone walks into a pharmacy, and our pharmacist will treat you with warmth and zero fuss in a private room. Nothing is discussed at the counter beyond asking for a consultation.
What about the copper coil?
The copper coil, or IUD, is actually the most effective emergency contraception of all and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It is fitted at sexual health clinics and some GP practices rather than pharmacies. If it is the better option for you, our pharmacist can often supply the pill as cover and help you reach a fitting service quickly.
Can I sort ongoing contraception at the same time?
Yes, and it is genuinely worth doing. Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service our pharmacist can start you on regular contraception at the same visit, free, so this is the last time you need the emergency option. Ask during your consultation and we will set it up there and then.

No panic, no judgement, no charge

Free NHS emergency contraception, supplied on the spot after a short private consultation. It works best the sooner you take it, so walk in now or book the next available time today.

Book now