Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know

Accidents happen. Contraception fails. Plans change. Whatever the reason, if you need emergency contraception, it's important to act quickly—and know that you have options.

At Pulteney Pharmacy, we provide emergency contraception with no appointment needed, in a private and non-judgmental environment.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It's not the same as an abortion—it prevents pregnancy from occurring in the first place.

Your Options

1. The Morning After Pill

Two types of emergency contraceptive pills are available:

Levonorgestrel (Levonelle)

Effective: Up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex
How it works: Prevents or delays ovulation
Effectiveness: Most effective when taken within 12 hours
Availability: Directly from pharmacy (no prescription needed)

Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne)

Effective: Up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
How it works: Prevents or delays ovulation
Effectiveness: Maintains effectiveness throughout the 5-day window
Availability: Directly from pharmacy (no prescription needed)

Which is better? EllaOne is generally more effective, especially as time passes. Our pharmacist will help you choose the best option for your situation.

2. The Copper IUD (Coil)

Effective: Up to 5 days after unprotected sex (or up to 5 days after ovulation)
How it works: Prevents fertilisation and implantation
Effectiveness: Over 99%—the most effective emergency contraception
Availability: Must be fitted by a trained clinician (GP or sexual health clinic)

If the copper IUD is your preferred option, we can advise and direct you to appropriate services.

How Emergency Contraception Works

Both pills work primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation (the release of an egg). If ovulation has already occurred, they are less effective.

Important: Emergency contraception does NOT cause an abortion. It prevents pregnancy—it does not end an existing pregnancy.

What Happens at the Pharmacy?

1. Private Consultation

You'll speak with a pharmacist in our private consultation room. Everything discussed is confidential.

2. Assessment

We'll ask about:

When unprotected sex occurred
Your regular contraception (if any)
Your menstrual cycle
Relevant medical history
Any medications you're taking

This helps us recommend the most appropriate option.

3. Supply

If emergency contraception is suitable, we'll provide it immediately with clear instructions.

4. Follow-Up Advice

We'll discuss:

What to expect after taking the pill
Signs to watch for
When to take a pregnancy test
Ongoing contraception options

Important Information

Timing Matters

Emergency contraception is most effective the sooner you take it:

Time Since Unprotected Sex	Levonelle Effectiveness	EllaOne Effectiveness
Within 12 hours	95%	98%
12-24 hours	85%	98%
24-48 hours	58%	98%
48-72 hours	58%	98%
72-120 hours	Not effective	Still effective

Side Effects

Common side effects (usually mild):

Nausea
Headache
Tiredness
Abdominal pain
Changes to next period (earlier, later, heavier, or lighter)

If you vomit within 2 hours (Levonelle) or 3 hours (ellaOne), you may need another dose—contact us immediately.

After Taking Emergency Contraception

Use barrier contraception until your next period
Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than 7 days late
Consider ongoing contraception—we can advise

No Judgment, Just Help

We understand that needing emergency contraception can feel stressful. Our team provides compassionate, confidential care without judgment.

You don't need to explain yourself. You don't need to justify your choices. You just need the help you came for.

📞 01225 466454 | 📍 35 Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Walk in for emergency contraception—no appointment needed

Your health. Your choice. Your timing.