Emergency Contraception in Ealing: Fast and Discreet

You've had unprotected sex and you're worried

Whether it was a contraceptive failure, a missed pill, or an unplanned moment, you need to know what your options are and how quickly you can act. Emergency contraception works best in the first 72 hours, but some methods are effective for longer. The good news is that you do not need to see your GP, book an appointment weeks in advance, or feel judged. You can walk into a pharmacy in South Ealing today and get help.

This post explains what emergency contraception is, which methods are available to you, how fast they work, and what to expect when you come in.

Do you need emergency contraception?

You may benefit from emergency contraception if:

You had unprotected sex and are not using a regular contraceptive method.

Your regular contraceptive failed (condom split, coil dislodged, missed pill).

You were sexually assaulted.

You are not sure whether contraception worked.

The sooner you act, the better. Emergency contraception is most effective within 72 hours, though some options work beyond that window. If you are more than five days past unprotected sex, an emergency IUD fitted by a doctor may still be an option, but you need to contact your GP or sexual health clinic urgently.

If you are unsure whether you need it, speak to a pharmacist. They can ask the right questions and help you decide without any fuss.

The main options

The emergency pill (levonorgestrel)

This is the most common emergency contraceptive. It is a single tablet containing the hormone levonorgestrel, which delays or prevents ovulation. You take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, though it can work up to 120 hours (five days) if taken promptly.

It suits you if you want a quick, non-invasive option and you can take it immediately. It does not suit you if you are already pregnant (it will not work) or if you have certain medical conditions that make hormonal contraception unsuitable. A pharmacist will check this with you.

Side effects are usually mild: nausea, headache, breast tenderness, or a change to your next period. Most people have no side effects at all. Your next period may be a few days early or late.

You do not need a prescription. You can buy it over the counter at any pharmacy, and South Ealing Pharmacy stocks it. It costs around £9 to £15, depending on the brand.

The emergency IUD (copper coil)

A copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective emergency contraceptive available. A doctor or specially trained nurse inserts it into your womb, and it can prevent pregnancy even up to five days after unprotected sex. It also works as ongoing contraception for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type.

It suits you if you want the highest level of protection, you are comfortable with an internal device, and you want long-term contraception. It does not suit you if you have a current pelvic infection, are pregnant, or have certain conditions affecting your womb.

The insertion can feel uncomfortable for a few seconds, and some people experience cramping afterwards. Periods may become heavier or longer in the first few months.

You cannot get an IUD from a pharmacy. You need to contact your GP, a sexual health clinic, or an urgent care centre. In South Ealing, you can call your GP surgery or contact Ealing Sexual Health Services. It is free on the NHS.

The ulipristal acetate pill (ella)

This is a second emergency pill, different from levonorgestrel. It is a progesterone receptor modulator and can work up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, and may be more effective than levonorgestrel between 72 and 120 hours.

It suits you if you are between three and five days past unprotected sex, or if levonorgestrel has not worked for you before. It does not suit you if you are already pregnant or if you have severe asthma.

Side effects are similar to levonorgestrel: nausea, headache, and period changes.

You need a prescription, which your GP can issue or which a pharmacist can issue under a Patient Group Direction (PGD). South Ealing Pharmacy can supply it if you are eligible. It costs around £20 to £30.

What happens when you come in

Walk in or call ahead if you prefer. You do not need an appointment. A pharmacist will ask you a few confidential questions: when the unprotected sex happened, whether you have any medical conditions, and what medications you take. This is to make sure emergency contraception is safe for you and to recommend the best option.

If you choose the emergency pill, you can take it in the pharmacy or at home. Many people take it straightaway. If you choose ulipristal acetate, the pharmacist will check your eligibility and issue it if you qualify.

The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will be seen in a private consultation room. Nothing is reported to your GP unless you ask for it to be, and nothing appears on your NHS record unless you choose.

After you take emergency contraception

Your period may arrive earlier or later than usual. This is normal. If your period is more than seven days late, take a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant, emergency contraception will not have worked, and you need to speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic about your options.

If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, contact a pharmacist or your GP, as the dose may not have been absorbed.

Emergency contraception does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. If there is any chance you have been exposed, ask for sexual health screening. South Ealing Pharmacy can advise you on where to access this locally.

Think about longer-term contraception. If you do not want to rely on emergency contraception again, speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic about options such as the pill, implant, injection, or coil. A pharmacist can also discuss this with you.

Common questions

How much does emergency contraception cost?

The levonorgestrel pill costs £9 to £15 over the counter. Ulipristal acetate (ella) costs around £20 to £30 and requires a prescription. The copper IUD is free on the NHS.

Can I get emergency contraception if I'm under 16?

Yes. Pharmacists can supply emergency contraception to anyone who needs it, regardless of age, as long as they have capacity to consent. Your confidentiality is protected.

Will emergency contraception affect my regular contraception?

No. If you are on the pill, implant, or injection, emergency contraception will not interfere with it. Continue taking your regular contraception as normal.

What if I've already taken emergency contraception once this month?

You can take it again if needed. There is no limit to how many times you can use it, but it is not a substitute for regular contraception. If you find yourself needing it repeatedly, speak to a pharmacist or GP about a more reliable long-term method.

Can I take emergency contraception if I'm breastfeeding?

Levonorgestrel is safe to use while breastfeeding. Ulipristal acetate is not recommended. Speak to a pharmacist for personalised advice.

Does emergency contraception cause an abortion?

No. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation. It does not end a pregnancy that has already begun. If you are already pregnant, it will not work.

How do I know if emergency contraception has worked?

The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test if your period is late. Most people will have their period within a few days of when they would normally expect it.

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