ⓘ Quick Answer
You can take the morning after pill more than once, but it is designed for emergency use only and should not replace regular contraception. At Kings Pharmacy in Birmingham, eligible patients can access the morning after pill for free through our Umbrella Sexual Health Service.
Emergency contraception, commonly known as the morning after pill, is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. However, many people have concerns about whether it can be used repeatedly and if doing so has any impact on health. At Kings Pharmacy, we are here to provide clarity on how often you can take the morning after pill, its effectiveness, potential side effects, and answer common questions, including is the morning after pill free in the UK.
How Does the Morning After Pill Work?
The morning after pill works by delaying ovulation, preventing sperm from fertilising an egg. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy and is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. There are two main types available in the UK:
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) — Effective for up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) — Effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and is generally more effective than Levonelle.
Both pills are safe and widely used, but their effectiveness decreases the longer you wait after unprotected sex.
Is It Okay to Take the Morning After Pill More Than Once?
Yes, you can take the morning after pill more than once, even within the same menstrual cycle. There is no medical limit on how often it can be used, but it should not be relied upon as a regular method of contraception. The morning after pill is designed for emergency use only, and frequent use may lead to irregular periods and hormonal fluctuations.
Does Taking It Multiple Times Affect Your Health?
Repeated use of emergency contraception is not harmful to your long-term health or fertility. However, some women may experience side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in the timing of their next period
Taking the morning after pill multiple times in a short period can also cause unpredictable menstrual cycles, making it harder to track ovulation and fertility. For those who find themselves frequently needing emergency contraception, it may be worth considering a regular contraceptive method such as the combined pill, implant, or IUD.
Is the Morning After Pill Free?
One of the most common questions we hear at Kings Pharmacy is: is the morning after pill free? We offer the morning after pill for free as part of our Umbrella Sexual Health Service in Birmingham. However, it may not be free everywhere you go.
Free on the NHS: In the UK, the morning after pill is available free of charge from GP surgeries, sexual health clinics, NHS walk-in centres, and some pharmacies including Kings.
Paid at some Pharmacies: You can buy the morning after pill over the counter at pharmacies that do not offer it for free without a prescription.
Online Pharmacies: Some regulated online pharmacies provide discreet delivery services, though costs will apply.
If you are under 16, you may still be able to get the morning after pill for free through the NHS, but a consultation with a healthcare professional is required.
How Often Should You Take the Morning After Pill?
Although it is safe to take multiple times, the morning after pill is not intended for frequent use. If you find yourself needing it often, consider switching to a more reliable, long-term contraceptive method. Options include:
- The contraceptive pill, patch, or injection
- The copper IUD, which can also be used as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected sex
- Condoms, which protect against both pregnancy and STIs
Your pharmacist or GP can provide guidance on the best contraceptive method for your lifestyle.
Does the Morning After Pill Become Less Effective Over Time?
Each time you take the morning after pill, it works as intended. However, if taken multiple times within a short period, it may cause irregular menstrual cycles, making it difficult to predict fertility and ovulation. Weight can also impact effectiveness, with ellaOne being more effective for those with a higher BMI than Levonelle.
What If the Morning After Pill Does Not Work?
While highly effective, the morning after pill is not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. If you experience symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness, take a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, seek medical advice about your options.
Levonelle vs ellaOne: Which Is Right for You?
Both Levonelle and ellaOne are effective forms of emergency contraception, but there are important differences that may influence which one a pharmacist recommends for you. Understanding these differences can help you have a more informed conversation with our team at Kings Pharmacy.
| Feature | Levonelle (Levonorgestrel) | ellaOne (Ulipristal Acetate) |
|---|---|---|
| Time window | Up to 72 hours (3 days) | Up to 120 hours (5 days) |
| Effectiveness over time | Decreases significantly after 24 hours | Maintains effectiveness up to 120 hours |
| Higher BMI | May be less effective; pharmacist will advise | Generally more appropriate option |
| Breastfeeding | Generally considered safe | Avoid breastfeeding for one week after |
| Available free at Kings Pharmacy | Yes, subject to eligibility | Subject to eligibility; speak to our team |
Our pharmacists at Kings Pharmacy will always discuss both options with you and recommend the most appropriate one based on when you last had unprotected sex, your weight, any medications you take, and any other relevant health considerations.
Can Medications Affect How Well the Morning After Pill Works?
Yes. Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraception, and it is important to disclose any medicines you take during your consultation. Medications known to potentially reduce effectiveness include some epilepsy treatments such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital, HIV medications, rifampicin (an antibiotic used for TB), and St John’s Wort (a herbal remedy). If you are taking any of these, your pharmacist may recommend a different dose, a different type of emergency contraception, or the copper IUD as an alternative.
The copper IUD is not affected by other medications and is the most effective form of emergency contraception available, with over 99% effectiveness when fitted within five days of unprotected sex. Our team at Kings Pharmacy can refer you to the appropriate service for IUD fitting if this is the most suitable option for your situation.
Understanding Your Ongoing Contraception Options
Taking the morning after pill is an important safeguard, but it is not a substitute for ongoing contraception. If you do not currently use regular contraception, or if your current method is not working well for you, this is a good opportunity to review your options. There are many reliable contraceptive methods available in the UK, and our pharmacists can talk you through each one to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the implant, hormonal IUD (coil), and copper IUD are among the most effective options available and are over 99% effective with typical use. The combined pill and progestogen-only pill are also popular choices that offer good protection when taken correctly. Barrier methods such as condoms provide protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and are recommended to be used alongside other methods.
If you would like to discuss contraception options after taking the morning after pill, our team at Kings Pharmacy is happy to provide confidential advice and can refer you to a local sexual health service or GP for any methods that require a clinical appointment. You can also find detailed NHS guidance on all contraception methods available in the UK.
What to Do If You Are Worried About STIs After Unprotected Sex
The morning after pill only prevents pregnancy. It does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections. If you have had unprotected sex and are concerned about STIs, it is important to seek testing separately from your emergency contraception consultation. Many STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV can be present without causing obvious symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
Free STI testing is available through NHS sexual health clinics across Birmingham. Our team at Kings Pharmacy can advise on where to access testing services near you and what to expect from the process. Early detection and treatment of STIs is important for your health and for preventing onward transmission to partners.
After taking emergency contraception, it is normal to experience some short-term changes to your body. Your next period may arrive earlier or later than expected, and it may be heavier or lighter than usual. Spotting or light bleeding in the days following the pill is also common and does not mean the pill has failed.
Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects, particularly with Levonelle. Taking the pill with food can help reduce this. If you vomit within two hours of taking it, you will need to take another dose as the medication may not have been fully absorbed. Contact our team at Kings Pharmacy or your GP promptly if this happens.
It is also important to note that the morning after pill does not provide ongoing protection. You will need to use regular contraception going forward to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Speak to Kings Pharmacy for Emergency Contraception Advice
At Kings Pharmacy, we provide confidential advice and emergency contraception services to help you stay in control of your reproductive health. Whether you need guidance on taking the morning after pill or are considering a long-term contraceptive solution, our expert team is here to help.
If you have further questions about emergency contraception, including is the morning after pill free, contact Kings Pharmacy today or speak to one of our pharmacists for personalised advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Morning After Pill
How quickly does the morning after pill work?
The morning after pill begins working as soon as it is absorbed. It works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation so that no egg is available to be fertilised. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Levonelle should be taken within 72 hours and ellaOne within 120 hours, though both are more effective the sooner they are taken.
Can I get the morning after pill for free in Birmingham?
Yes. Kings Pharmacy offers the morning after pill free of charge to eligible patients through our Umbrella Sexual Health Service in Birmingham. Eligibility is confirmed during a brief confidential consultation. If you are not eligible for the free service, the pill is also available to purchase over the counter. Contact our team to find out more.
Will taking the morning after pill affect my future fertility?
No. The morning after pill does not affect your long-term fertility. Once the hormone clears your system, your fertility returns to normal. It also does not provide ongoing contraceptive protection, so it is important to use regular contraception going forward if needed.
Is ellaOne better than Levonelle?
EllaOne (ulipristal acetate) is generally considered more effective than Levonelle (levonorgestrel), particularly because it maintains its effectiveness for longer, up to 120 hours compared to 72 hours. There is also some evidence that ellaOne may be more effective for people with a higher body weight, though a pharmacist will help you decide which is the most appropriate option based on your individual circumstances.
What should I do if my period is late after taking the morning after pill?
It is normal for your next period to arrive earlier or later than expected after taking emergency contraception. If your period is more than five to seven days late, take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If the test is positive, speak to your GP or a sexual health service as soon as possible for guidance on your options.