Start the contraceptive pill without a GP appointment
You can start the contraceptive pill free on the NHS through our pharmacy, without seeing your GP. Talk to a pharmacist in our Bury pharmacy, or by video if you’re 16 or over and live in England.
It’s free on the NHS. There is no prescription charge for contraception.
Who can use this service
You can use this service if you want to start the pill for the first time, or restart it after a break. The pharmacist checks your health to make sure the pill is safe for you.
The pharmacist may suggest a different method, or refer you to your GP or a sexual health clinic, if for example you:
- have high blood pressure, or have had a blood clot, a stroke or heart disease
- have migraines with aura
- smoke and are aged 35 or over
- have a high BMI
- have had breast cancer, or have liver or gallbladder problems
Types of pill
- The combined pill contains two hormones. You usually take it every day for 21 days, then have a 7-day break, though there are other ways to take it.
- The progestogen-only pill contains one hormone. You take it every day with no break. It can suit people who can’t take the combined pill, such as those who smoke or have migraines.
The pharmacist helps you choose the one that suits you.
What happens in the consultation
The pharmacist asks about your health, your periods, any medicines you take and your family history. For the combined pill, they also need a recent blood pressure reading and your height and weight.
- In branch: we check your blood pressure for you.
- By video: you give us a blood pressure reading from the last 6 months, or take one yourself with a home monitor. If you don’t have one, we can check it in the pharmacy.
If the pill is right for you, the pharmacist supplies it, where clinically appropriate, and explains how to start it. You can collect it or we post it to you. With your consent, we tell your GP.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the contraceptive pill?
How long does the pill take to work?
How effective is the pill?
How much is the contraceptive pill?
Does the pill protect against STIs?
Can I get it posted?
Speak to a pharmacist
Book a free NHS video consultation, call us on 0161 222 1024, or visit us at 46 Walmersley Road, Bury BL9 6DP. Video consultations: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm. Pharmacy opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm.
Book a free NHS video consultationNHS contraception at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy
Also: Emergency contraception · 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.