Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pill): UK Online Doctor
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Emergency contraception works best the sooner it's taken.
- Levonelle (levonorgestrel) up to 72 hours; ellaOne (ulipristal) up to 120 hours.
- Copper IUD is the most effective option, fitted within 5 days.
- An online GP can prescribe pills with same-day delivery.
- Doesn't terminate established pregnancy.
Options
- Levonelle: within 72 hours, 84% effective at 24h, 58% at 72h.
- ellaOne: within 120 hours, more effective than Levonelle.
- Copper IUD: within 5 days; over 99% effective and provides ongoing contraception.
Where to get it
- Most UK pharmacies (often free with consultation).
- NHS sexual health clinics.
- Online doctor with same/next-day delivery.
- Sexual health services for IUD fitting.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about emergency contraception.
How an online doctor can help
Related articles
UTI / Cystitis: Symptoms, Treatment & Online Doctor in the UK
Burning when you wee, urgency, frequency? UK guide to UTI / cystitis with same-day online doctor antibiotics where appropriate.
Thrush: Symptoms, Treatment & UK Online Doctor
Itching, discharge or soreness 'down there'? Learn how UK doctors treat vaginal thrush and how to get fluconazole or pessaries via an online GP.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Symptoms & UK Online Doctor Treatment
Fishy-smelling discharge or unusual odour? Learn how UK doctors treat bacterial vaginosis with metronidazole and how to see an online GP.
This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
See a UK GP about this today
Same-day video or phone consultations with GMC-registered GPs. Prescriptions, sick notes and referrals when clinically appropriate.