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Emergency Contraception

If you have had unprotected sex in the last five days or you think that your contraception may have failed, you may be able to have emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill’ or a coil) to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

We provide free emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception options

  • Levonelle (Levonorgestrel pill)
    • Levonelle is most effective when taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex, but it can be used up to three days (72 hours) after:
      • If taken within first 24 hours: 95% effective at preventing pregnancy
      • If taken between 25–48 hours: 85% effective at preventing pregnancy
      • If taken between 49–72 hours: 58% effective at preventing pregnancy
    • Levonelle is free to everyone, including under 16s. You can get it from:
  • EllaOne (Ulipristal Acetate pill)
    • EllaOne is almost 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if it is taken within five days of having unprotected sex.
    • EllaOne is free to everyone, including under 16s. You can get it from:
  • Emergency contraception coil fitting
    • A copper coil (intra-uterine device, IUD) can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The copper causes changes to fluids inside the womb which prevents the fertilised egg from implanting itself into the lining of the womb. For more information, see here
    • Emergency coils can be fitted at:
      • Luton Sexual Health service hub
      • Your GP (contact them to check)
  • Luton Sexual Health (please call to book an urgent telephone assessment)
  • Your GP
  • Walk In Centre
  • See below for details of pharmacies in Luton who provide free Emergency Contraception. Please call the pharmacy to ensure this service is available before you visit.
Name Address
Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy 255 Birdsfoot Lane, Luton LU3 2HX
Biscot Pharmacy 157A Biscot Road, Luton LU3 1AW
Calverton Pharmacy 62 Calverton Road, Luton LU3 2SZ
Halfway Chemist 731 Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 0DU
Harris Chemist 165A, 165B Dunstable Rd, Luton
The Mall Pharmacy (opposite McDonald’s) Unit 3 Luton Mall, 46-48 George Street, Luton LU1 2AZ
Westbourne Road Pharmacy 198B Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 8JJ
Woodlands Chemist Tudor House, 1 Bishopscote Road, Luton LU3 1NX