Emergency contraception

What is it?

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.

How it works

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:
    • All Luton Sexual Health clinics
    • Your GP
    • Your local urgent care or walk-in centre
    • Pharmacies
• 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:
    • All Luton Sexual Health clinics
    • Your GP
    • Pharmacies
• 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)

Where can I get the pill?

• Luton Sexual Health (please call to book an urgent telephone assessment)
• Your GP
• Walk In Centre
• See below for details of pharmacies within Luton or search NHS Choices to find one near you. Emergency contraception within Luton is provided free of charge