Emergency Contraception

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Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception in Wandsworth, Streatham, and South London

Pearl Chemist Group knows that accidents happen. If your contraception has failed or you have had unprotected sex within the last 5 days, we can help with our emergency contraception service.

Commonly referred to as the ‘morning after pill,’ emergency contraception can be up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy depending on how soon you take it. With several locations throughout South London, your nearest PCG pharmacy can provide you with the morning after pill quickly, safely, and discreetly.

If You Need Emergency Contraception,

Or if you want to learn more about how emergency contraception works, then call us or visit us in store and our friendly pharmacists will be happy to help.

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There are two types of emergency contraception:

The morning after pill, Levonelle or ellaOne
An IUD (intrauterine device) or Coil

Emergency Contraception Fast Facts

The sooner you take the emergency contraceptive pill, the more effective it will be.
Levonelle needs to be taken within 3 days to be effective.
ellaOne can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex.
The morning after pill will not cause an abortion.
An IUD or coil can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
An IUD or coil is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy, but needs to be fitted at a sexual health/GUM clinic or GP surgery.
Once fitted, an IUD can be used as a regular form of birth control.

Who can take the morning after pill?

Most women can use the emergency contraceptive pill, including those under 16 and those who normally can’t use hormonal contraception like the combined pill or patch.

You may not be able to take the morning after pill if you take:

St John’s Wort
Some antibiotics like Rifampicin and Rifabutin
Acid reflux medication such as Omeprazole
Some medicines are used to treat epilepsy, HIV, or Tuberculosis.

Women with severe asthma or who are allergic to any of the morning after pill’s ingredients may not be able to take it. Your PCG pharmacist will be able to advise whether emergency contraception is right for you.

How to Protect Yourself and Other

Book an appointment with one of our vaccine specialists.

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Is the Morning After Pill Safe?

Emergency contraception doesn’t cause any serious side effects.
The morning after pill may give you a headache, or stomach pain, make you feel nauseous, or cause you to be sick.
If you throw up within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or nearest GUM clinic right away.
The emergency contraceptive pill won’t impact your long-term fertility but can make your next period earlier, later, or more painful than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I miss a pill?

This depends on which pill you’re taking. Read the ‘missed pill’ section of the pill’s pharmaceutical leaflet for further instruction. If you’re concerned contact us and we will be more than happy to help and give advice.

How will I know if my emergency contraception has worked?

We recommend that you have a pregnancy test three weeks after taking the emergency contraceptive pill or having the IUD fitted, providing you have had any more pregnancy risks. If the test is negative, the emergency contraception has worked.

I have already had one emergency pill this month. Can I have another?

Yes, but only in some cases, and it depends on individual circumstances. Speak to one of our pharmacists and we can determine what is right for you.

Is it safe to take the pill continuously to avoid having periods?

Yes – except for women who should not take the pill at all. Some women would rather not have a period and they use hormonal contraception like the combined Pill or the progestogen-only pill (POP) to control their periods. However, if you have spotting (bleeding) for more than four days whilst you’re taking the pill, you are advised to have a pill free interval usually lasting four days before restarting your pill again.

We are here to help you

Book an appointment

Our friendly pharmacists will be happy to help.

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Need help!

It's always good to talk to a professional. Call us now.

CALL 020 8672 2157

Nearest PCG Pharmacy

Our pharmacists are just a store visit away.

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If You’re Under 16 Years Old

Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16. If you're under 16 and want contraception, rest assured your pharmacist will not tell your parents (or carer) as long as they believe you fully understand the information you are given and the decisions you're making. PCG Pharmacists work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16.

If you’re worried you might become pregnant after unprotected sex, contact one of Pearl Chemist Group’s Emergency Contraception Clinics. We have several convenient locations throughout South London including Tooting, Earlsfield, Epsom, Morden, Merton, Wimbledon, Banstead, and Tolworth.

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