Free on the NHS from the pharmacy. No appointment: come in as soon as you can.
If you have had unprotected sex, or your usual contraception has let you down, emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy. Benson Pharmacy supplies it free on the NHS through the Pharmacy Contraception Service, in private, with no need to see your GP.
Come in as soon as you can
Please do not wait to book an appointment. Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken, so come straight to the pharmacy during opening hours and ask to speak to the pharmacist. You will be seen in our private consultation room as soon as possible. If we are closed, call NHS 111 for the nearest place that can help.
Your options
- Levonorgestrel can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, and is most effective within the first 24 hours
- Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after, and stays effective for longer
- An emergency IUD fitted by a GP or sexual health clinic within five days is the most effective option of all, and gives ongoing contraception. We can tell you where to go
The pharmacist will ask a few confidential questions about when it happened, your cycle and any medicines you take, so they can recommend the right option for you. If a pill is suitable it is supplied straight away.
Good to know
- Anyone can use the service. You do not need to be registered with a local GP, and everything you tell us is confidential
- If you are sick within three hours of taking the pill, come back, as you may need another dose
- Your next period may be early or late. Take a pregnancy test if it is more than seven days late
- Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you are worried about that, ask us about testing
- If you would like ongoing contraception, we can also start or continue the contraceptive pill on the NHS. Just ask
Any questions
If you would rather talk to someone first, call us on 01491 838686 and ask for the pharmacist.