Fast and confidential emergency contraception service at Pearl Chemist Group

Emergency contraception is one of the most time-sensitive healthcare interventions in everyday clinical practice. Its effectiveness is directly linked to how quickly it is accessed after unprotected sex. That makes the availability of a discreet, accessible, no-appointment-needed pharmacy service not just convenient but clinically significant.

Pearl Chemist Group provides emergency contraception services across South London, including in Tooting and Epsom. Our pharmacy team offers confidential consultations, professional clinical assessment, and access to both available oral options, with no GP referral required.

The Two Oral Emergency Contraceptive Options: A Clinical Comparison

Levonelle (Levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms)

Levonelle works primarily by inhibiting or delaying ovulation. Its effectiveness is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and it must be taken within 72 hours (three days). Clinical evidence shows that Levonelle reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 95% when taken within 24 hours, 85% when taken between 25 and 48 hours, and 58% when taken between 49 and 72 hours.

Levonelle is a progestogen-only agent and is generally well tolerated. It is available over the counter (behind the pharmacy counter) following a pharmacist consultation, and is also available on NHS prescription.

ellaOne (Ulipristal Acetate 30mg)

ellaOne is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) that works by postponing or inhibiting ovulation, and may also affect endometrial receptivity. It is licensed for use up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. Importantly, unlike Levonelle, ellaOne maintains its efficacy more consistently across the full five-day window, rather than declining progressively with time.

Clinical data indicates that ellaOne is more effective than Levonelle particularly between 72 and 120 hours after unprotected sex. A 2010 meta-analysis in The Lancet found ellaOne to be significantly more effective than levonorgestrel overall, with greater relative benefit as the time since unprotected sex increases.

ellaOne is prescription-only in the UK and requires a pharmacist consultation. It is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding (a 7-day breastfeeding pause is advised post-administration) or for those with severe hepatic impairment.

Which Option Is Right for You? How Our Pharmacists Decide

The pharmacist consultation for emergency contraception is not a formality. Several clinical factors influence which option is most appropriate:

  • Time elapsed since unprotected sex (ellaOne is preferred beyond 72 hours; within 72 hours either may be appropriate)
  • Body weight (evidence suggests that levonorgestrel's effectiveness may be reduced in women over approximately 70kg; ellaOne maintains effectiveness at higher body weights, though it too may be less effective above 85kg)
  • Other medications (enzyme-inducing drugs such as certain anticonvulsants, rifampicin, and St John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of both options; higher doses may be needed)
  • Breastfeeding status
  • Previous use of hormonal emergency contraception in the same cycle

This is why a brief but clinical consultation matters. Providing accurate information, particularly about timing and current medications, ensures you receive the most effective option for your specific circumstances.

The IUD: The Most Effective Emergency Contraceptive

A copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) is the most effective form of emergency contraception available, with a failure rate of less than 0.1% when fitted within five days of unprotected sex. Unlike oral options, its effectiveness does not decline with time within that window. It can also remain in place as highly effective ongoing contraception for up to 10 years.

IUD fitting is not available through a pharmacy and requires an appointment with a GP, family planning clinic, or sexual health service. If you believe the IUD is the most appropriate option for you, our pharmacist can advise on where to access this service urgently.

What the Pharmacist Consultation Involves

When you visit a Pearl Chemist Group branch for emergency contraception, you'll be invited into a private consultation area. The pharmacist will ask about the timing of unprotected sex, your menstrual cycle, any current medications, and relevant health information. The entire process typically takes around five to ten minutes. Everything discussed is confidential and will not be shared without your consent.

There is no GP referral required and no appointment needed. Simply visit your nearest participating branch.

Our emergency contraception service page has further details. For other sexual health products and services, visit our

sexual health section. If you're considering ongoing contraception options following this, our

pharmacy services page outlines the full range of clinical services we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does weight affect how effective the morning after pill is?

Yes, and this is an important but underappreciated clinical point. Evidence suggests that levonorgestrel (Levonelle) may have significantly reduced effectiveness in women weighing above approximately 70kg, with failure rates approaching background rates of pregnancy at weights above 75 to 80kg. ellaOne appears more effective at higher body weights and is typically recommended as the first-line oral option for women in this weight range. If you're unsure, discuss this with the pharmacist during your consultation.

Can I take the morning after pill if I'm already on hormonal contraception?

If you have missed a combined oral contraceptive pill or a progestogen-only pill, the need for emergency contraception depends on how many pills were missed, which week of the pack you're in, and how many hours late the missed pill was. Your pharmacist can help you work through this using the current FSRH guidance. If you have ongoing concerns about your current contraceptive method, this is also a good opportunity to discuss it.

Can emergency contraception fail even if I take it correctly?

Yes. No oral emergency contraceptive is 100% effective. If ovulation has already occurred before the pill is taken, it cannot prevent fertilisation. This is one reason why the copper IUD, which also affects fertilisation and implantation, is significantly more effective across all timeframes. If your next period is more than five to seven days late after taking emergency contraception, or if symptoms of pregnancy develop, take a pregnancy test.

Will the morning after pill affect my fertility in the long term?

No. There is no clinical evidence that either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate has any effect on long-term fertility. Emergency contraceptive pills work by delaying ovulation; they do not affect ovarian reserve, ongoing reproductive function, or future menstrual cycle regularity beyond the current cycle.

Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion pill?

No. Emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy from occurring (primarily by inhibiting ovulation). It is not effective and is not intended for use after a pregnancy has been confirmed. The abortion pill (mifepristone with misoprostol) is an entirely different medication used to terminate an established pregnancy and is not available through a community pharmacy.