Help and advice with emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill')

If you’ve recently had sex without using contraception, or you think that the contraception you did use might have failed, you may decide you want to find out more about emergency contraception. If you act quickly (within 72 hours) emergency contraception can usually stop you getting pregnant.

How to get emergency contraception from your local pharmacy

You can buy emergency contraception from The Co-operative Pharmacy* without a prescription. It is also available free from some of our pharmacies**.

Before you receive your emergency contraception your Co-operative Pharmacist will just need to ask you some brief questions to check your suitability, and to check that you’ve got all the support you need. They’ll also explain your next steps. (Don’t worry, this consultation is free and confidential.)

Please check our branch locator for your nearest Co-operative Pharmacy.

If the emergency contraceptive pill isn't for you, you may want to find out more about alternatives, such as the intra uterine device, also known as 'the coil'. Ask your Co-operative Pharmacist about this, or check our emergency contraception advice.

Unprotected sex can also put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are worried about STIs please speak to your local Co-operative Pharmacist or see our sexual health advice.

*Your Co-operative Pharmacy is only able to supply Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) if an accredited Pharmacist is available. EHC cannot be supplied if patients are taking certain types of medication or if it is more than 72 hours since unprotected intercourse. Age restrictions may apply.

**The service outlined may vary depending on which services your local Primary Care Organisation commissions. Ask your pharmacist or another member of staff for more details. This service is only available if the accredited Pharmacist or trained member of staff is available.

More sexual health advice:

Sexually Transmitted Infections - symptoms and treatment
STI advice and free NHS chlamydia screening from your local pharmacy