Contraception

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service provides easy access to advice and oral contraception, helping you choose the option that suits you.

NHS Contraception Service

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service can include starting oral contraception, restarting it after a break, changing to a different pill after a clinical consultation, and providing ongoing supplies when the service is appropriate.

The service can also include advice about, and supply of, oral emergency contraception where the pharmacist or pharmacy technician can provide it under the current NHS requirements.

The service is about oral contraception. It does not provide every type of contraception.

How It Works

Getting contraception support is simple and straightforward.

01

Ask about the service

Contact the pharmacy and ask whether the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is currently available. Do not include sensitive details in a general website message.

02

Have a private consultation

A trained pharmacy professional asks about your health, medicines and contraception needs. They may check blood pressure, height and weight where appropriate.

03

Discuss suitable options

The clinician explains whether an oral contraceptive pill may be suitable, how to take it, possible side effects and when another service is needed.

04

Receive advice or supply

If clinically appropriate and the service criteria are met, the pharmacy may provide an NHS supply or refer you to your GP, a sexual health clinic or another healthcare professional.

Our Contraception Services

Ongoing supply of oral contraception

Regular supply of the oral contraceptive pill, where suitable.

Starting oral contraception

Support to start the pill after a clinical consultation.

Oral emergency contraception

Advice and supply of oral emergency contraception where appropriate under current NHS requirements.

Who Can Use The Service

Anyone who needs oral contraception or emergency contraception can ask. You can refer yourself, be referred by your GP or sexual health clinic, or be invited by our team if we think the service could help you.

Please keep sensitive details about sex, symptoms, medicines, pregnancy or your health for the confidential consultation rather than a general website enquiry.

Useful Preparation

Trusted information

For general information, read the NHS guidance on getting the contraceptive pill from a pharmacy and the NHS contraception information. Service details can change, so local availability should be confirmed directly with the pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. It is an NHS service, so there is no charge for the consultation or the contraception, and prescription charges do not apply.

No. You can use the service whether or not you are registered with a GP.

Only with your consent. If you would rather we did not, we will not.

Yes. Consultations take place in a private room, and your information is handled in line with data protection law and NHS confidentiality rules.

No. Appointments and walk-ins are both welcome. Booking ahead can save you waiting, but if you need emergency contraception, please come in or call as soon as possible, as it works best when taken early.

We will ask about your health, medications, and previous contraception, and may check your blood pressure. Together, we will choose the option that suits you. You can ask questions at any point.

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. Please come in or call us, and we will see you as soon as we can.

We will explain why and help you find another route, such as your GP or a sexual health clinic.

No. This service covers oral contraception and oral emergency contraception only. We can signpost you to a GP or sexual health clinic for other methods.