Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception, sometimes known as 'the morning after pill', is free and available from all sexual health clinics, Young People's clinics, some GP surgeries and some pharmacies. Click on one of the links at the bottom of this page to find a pharmacy near you.

If you have unprotected sex, it is very important that you take a Sexually Transmitted Infections test.

How soon after sex can I take emergency contraception?

It is really important that you get emergency contraception as soon as possible as it works best to stop pregnancy the sooner it is taken. There are three types of emergency contraception:

The 72 hour pill (morning after pill) you can get this from all the services named above.
Ella one, a pill taken five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. You can get this from Sexual Health Services or your GP
IUD (a small, flexible contraceptive device that is shaped like the letter T and is inserted into the uterus) The health worker will advise if you require an IUD to be fitted.

Who is it for?

Any female, including those under 16 years, who could be at risk of pregnancy because of unprotected sex or an accident with contraception.

Is it free?

Yes, for anyone at Sexual Health Services, Young Peoples clinics, your GP, Emergency Departments, and NHS walk-in centres. You can also buy it over the counter at some pharmacies.

What exactly is it?

There are three types of emergency contraception:

The pills - 72 hour and Ella one

Emergency contraceptive pills contain the hormone progestogen.
This will not protect you from pregnancy if you have further unprotected sex.
The emergency contraceptive pill is not as effective as using other methods of contraception such as the pill or condoms regularly and do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A doctor or nurse fits a copper IUD in your womb up to five days after you had unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulation).
An IUD may be suitable if you are too late to take the emergency pill, do not want or cannot take progestogen, want to use the most effective method of emergency contraception or want the IUD as an ongoing method of contraception.
Most women can use an IUD for emergency contraception.
Remember you should also make sure you have supplies of a suitable reliable method of contraception.

Will it stop any infection?

NO - only using a condom will protect you against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Can I use it more than once?

YES - but if you continue to have sex it is much better to use an effective method of contraception. It is not a regular method.

Where can I get FREE emergency contraception if I can't access the Sexual Health Service?

You can ask your GP surgery if they supply emergency contraception.

Alternatively, all pharmacies listed in the below areas provide this free of charge most of the time, however there will be occasions when an accredited pharmacist is unavailable to prescribe this for you. In this instance they will either give you a specific time to return and collect OR they will redirect you to the nearest pharmacy where you can get it for free AND they will phone them first to confirm you will be guaranteed this service.

Portsmouth

Havant, Waterlooville, Hayling Island, Emsworth

Southampton

Basingstoke:

• Basingstoke Boots The Chemist* 8 Brighton Hill Parade, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke, RG22 4EH* 01256 322973
• Basingstoke Neils Pharmacy Gillies Health Centre, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke, RG22 4EH 01256 322973
• Basingstoke Boots The Chemist* 15 Old Basing Mall, Town Centre, Basingstoke RG21 7LW* 01256 351611
• Tadley Holmwood Pharmacy* Holmwood Health Centre, Franklin Ave, Tadley, Basingstoke RG26 4ER 0118 9811 984
• Tadley Morland Pharmacy* 40 New Road, Tadley, Basingstoke RG26 3AN* 0118 9820 157
• Basingstoke S R Pharmacy* C 4 Kings Furlong, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 8YT* 01256 460390
• Kingsclere Kingsclere Pharmacy Swan Street, Kingsclere, Hants RG20 5PP 01635 298419
• Basingstoke Lloyds Pharmacy* 201 Oakridge Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 5TA* 01256 464540
• Basingstoke Rooksdown* Mill Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG24 9SP 01256 320303
• Overton Overton Pharmacy 4 Winchester Street, Overton, Basingstoke, Hants RG25 3HS 01256 770201