Skip to content

NHS

Emergency contraception — free, fast, confidential.

Free NHS emergency hormonal contraception (the 'morning-after pill') without needing a GP appointment. Confidential consultation in our private room, immediate supply if it's right for you. The sooner you come in, the better it works.

Cost
Free NHS
Duration
20 min
Booking
Same-day
Confidential
Always
Call 01256322973
NHS Emergency Contraceptive Pill at Brighton Hill PharmacyNHS
Free NHS

Emergency contraception

No GP. No judgement. Just a private room.

What you should know

Quick facts before you visit

We'll cover all of this during the consultation — these are the headlines.

Time-sensitiveWithin 120 hoursEHC works up to 5 days after unprotected sex — but the sooner the better.
Pill for up to 72 hoursUp to 72 hrsOne type of pill can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.
Pill for up to 120 hoursUp to 120 hrsThe other can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after, the only pill licensed beyond 72 hours.
Free on NHSNo chargeBoth pills are free at our pharmacy for anyone eligible — no prescription needed.
ConfidentialAlwaysPrivate consultation room. Nothing is shared with anyone without your consent.
Side effectsUsually mildNausea, fatigue, slightly altered next period. We talk through what to expect.
Failed contraceptionEligibleBurst condom, missed pills, late patch — all valid reasons to use EHC.
Not a regular methodOne-offEHC is for emergencies. Talk to us about regular contraception too.

How it works

Three steps. Done in twenty minutes.

  1. 01

    Private consultation

    We ask a few quick questions to confirm EHC is right for you and pick the right pill.

  2. 02

    Supply on the spot

    If suitable, we hand you the medication and explain when and how to take it.

  3. 03

    Aftercare

    What to expect, follow-up options, and a chat about regular contraception if you'd like.

Good to know

Questions, answered.

How quickly do I need to take it?

As soon as you can. One type of pill can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, the other up to 120 hours (5 days). Both are most effective the earlier they're taken.

Is this really confidential?

Completely. The consultation happens in a private room. We don't share anything with your GP or family without your consent.

Will the morning-after pill make me infertile?

No — it's a one-off dose and doesn't affect your long-term fertility. Your normal contraception (if any) needs to be resumed straight after.

When will my next period come?

It may be a few days early or late. If it's more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test and come back to see us.

Can I get this if I'm under 16?

Yes — under-16s can access EHC confidentially. We follow Gillick competency guidelines and treat every consultation respectfully.

Is emergency contraception free?

Yes. It's free on the NHS at Brighton Hill Pharmacy, with no charge for the consultation or the pill.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Ask at the counter or book online, and we'll see you in our private consultation room as soon as we can.

Is there another option?

An emergency coil (copper IUD) is the most effective option and can be fitted up to 5 days after sex. It's fitted by a sexual health clinic or some GP practices, and we can tell you where to go.

Appointments

Need it today? Book a slot now.

Private consultation room · Free NHS service · Same-day slots usually available

01256322973Prescriptions