Free emergency contraception (the morning after pill)

If you’ve had unprotected sex, or your contraception may have failed, you can get emergency contraception free on the NHS from our Bury pharmacy. Talk to a pharmacist in the pharmacy, or by video if you’re 16 or over, then collect it from us the same day. The sooner you take it, the better it works.

We can’t post emergency contraception. After a video consultation, you collect it from our pharmacy the same day. If you can’t get to Bury, we’ll tell you where to get it near you.

Who can use this service

Anyone who could get pregnant can use this service. The pharmacist talks to you in private and checks that emergency contraception is right for you. Under-16s can be seen in the pharmacy, and what you tell us is kept confidential.

The pharmacist must speak to you directly, so a friend or partner can’t get it for you. We can’t supply emergency contraception in advance, “just in case”.

Your options

• Emergency contraceptive pill. There are two types. One works if taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex; the other within 5 days (120 hours). The pharmacist helps you decide which is right for you.
• Copper IUD (coil). This is the most effective type of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It’s fitted at a sexual health clinic or some GP surgeries. The pharmacist can tell you how to get one.

What happens in the consultation

The pharmacist asks when you had unprotected sex, when your last period was, and about your health and any medicines you take. Then they:

• explain your options, including the copper IUD
• supply an emergency contraceptive pill, where clinically appropriate, for you to collect the same day
• give you advice about ongoing contraception, pregnancy tests and sexual health checks

After taking it

• If you’re sick within 3 hours of taking the pill, contact us or your GP, as you may need another dose.
• Your next period may be earlier or later than usual.
• Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than 7 days late, or is shorter or lighter than usual.
• Emergency contraception doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re worried, get tested at a sexual health clinic.

Frequently asked questions

NHS contraception at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy
Also: Starting the pill · Repeat pill · NHS Pharmacy First

This page is general information about an NHS service and does not replace advice from your GP. Sources: NHS website condition and contraception pages; NHS England Pharmacy First and Pharmacy Contraception Service specifications.