Your guide to taking the morning after pill on time

When it comes to emergency contraception in the UK, timing is everything. If you’ve had unprotected sex or your usual contraception didn’t work, it’s completely normal to feel stressed or unsure about what to do next. The most important thing to remember is that the sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing an unplanned pregnancy.

What Is the Morning After Pill?

The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy after sex. It doesn’t cause an abortion, and it won’t affect your future ability to have children. There are two main types available in the UK:

  1. Levonelle (contains levonorgestrel) – should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
  2. ellaOne (contains ulipristal acetate) – can be taken within 120 hours (5 days)

Both work by stopping or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg), so if ovulation has already happened, the pill may not work.

When Should You Take It?

The sooner, the better. Although Levonelle works up to 3 days and ellaOne up to 5 days, effectiveness drops over time. If taken within 24 hours, both pills are most effective. Research shows that only 1–2 out of 100 women who take the pill after unprotected sex will still get pregnant, especially if they take it quickly.

How Does Emergency Contraception Work?

Emergency contraceptive pills work by delaying or preventing ovulation. If there’s no egg, sperm cannot fertilise anything, so pregnancy doesn’t happen. The pill won’t work if ovulation has already occurred or if you’re already pregnant.

If you’re unsure about where you are in your cycle, our pharmacists can help assess your situation and recommend the best option.

How Effective Is the Morning After Pill?

  1. Levonelle is around 95% effective if taken within 24 hours, but this drops the longer you wait.
  2. ellaOne remains about 98% effective if taken within the first 24 hours and slightly less so over 5 days.

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours after ellaOne, speak to a pharmacist right away, as you may need to take it again.

Is the Morning After Pill Safe?

Yes. Side effects are generally mild and short-term. You might feel:

  • Nauseous
  • Tired or dizzy
  • A headache or mild stomach pain
  • Changes in your next period (earlier, later, or heavier)

It won’t harm your fertility or impact your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Who Can Take It?

Most women, including those under 16, can take the emergency contraceptive pill. However, it may not be suitable if you:

  • Take certain medicines (e.g., St John’s Wort, some epilepsy or HIV medicines, antibiotics like Rifampicin)
  • Have severe asthma
  • Are allergic to ingredients in the pill

Always speak to our pharmacists for advice before taking it. They will help you find the safest and most effective option.

What If the Pill Isn’t Right for You?

Another form of emergency contraception is the IUD (intrauterine device), also called the coil. It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is the most effective emergency method. However, it must be fitted at a clinic or surgery, not a pharmacy.

Confidential Help for Everyone — Even Under 16

Emergency contraception services are free and confidential in the UK, even if you’re under 16. You do not need parental consent. Our pharmacists work under strict guidelines to ensure your privacy and provide support that’s respectful and reassuring.

Ready to Act?

Don’t wait. Every hour counts. If you’re worried about contraception after unprotected sex, or simply want clear, non-judgemental advice, Pearl Chemist Group is here for you.

Our branches can provide the morning-after pill safely, quickly, and discreetly. Speak to our experts and get the support you need. Book an appointment for emergency contraception at Pearl Chemist Group today.