Contraception Services at Right Medicine Pharmacy
Right Medicine Pharmacy offers confidential advice on contraception, along with access to a range of contraceptive products. Our pharmacy teams can discuss your needs privately, answer questions and help you understand the options available to you.
We also provide NHS emergency contraception from participating pharmacies in Scotland. This is sometimes called the “morning-after pill”, although you should seek advice as soon as possible rather than waiting until the following morning.
When Might You Need Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception may help prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex or when your usual method of contraception may not have worked. This could include situations where:
- A condom has split or come off
- Contraception was not used
- Contraceptive pills were missed or taken incorrectly
- Vomiting or diarrhoea may have affected a contraceptive pill
- Another contraceptive method may have failed
The appropriate option depends on factors such as when unprotected sex took place, other medicines you use and your individual health circumstances. Contact a pharmacy promptly so that a pharmacist can advise you about the next steps.
What Emergency Contraception Options Are Available?
There are two main types of emergency contraception: emergency contraceptive pills and the copper intrauterine device, also called a copper IUD or coil.
The appropriate option depends on when unprotected sex occurred, your menstrual cycle, any medicines you use and your individual health circumstances. The pharmacist will ask relevant questions before recommending or supplying an emergency contraceptive pill.
A copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception and can then remain in place as an ongoing contraceptive method. It must be fitted by an appropriately trained healthcare professional and is not normally fitted during a community pharmacy consultation. If this option may be more suitable, the pharmacist can direct you to a sexual health clinic or another appropriate provider.
Emergency contraception is time-sensitive, so seek professional advice as soon as possible.
What Happens During the Consultation?
Your consultation will take place discreetly with a trained pharmacist, usually in a private consultation room. The pharmacist will ask relevant questions to understand your circumstances and determine whether emergency contraception is suitable.
This may include discussing:
- When unprotected sex occurred
- Your usual method of contraception
- Your menstrual cycle
- Any medicines or health conditions that may affect your options
- Whether you require additional advice or onward referral
If emergency contraception is suitable, the pharmacist will explain how to take it and provide relevant advice. If another option may be more appropriate, they can explain where to access further support.
What Happens After Taking Emergency Contraception?
The pharmacist will explain what to expect after taking an emergency contraceptive pill. Some people experience temporary effects such as nausea, headache, abdominal discomfort or changes to the timing of their next period.
If you vomit after taking the tablet, contact the pharmacy promptly. Depending on how soon this happens, you may need another dose or an alternative option.
Emergency contraception does not necessarily provide ongoing protection for the remainder of your menstrual cycle. The pharmacist will advise you about restarting or continuing your regular contraceptive method and whether you need to use condoms for a period afterwards.
You may also be advised to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late, unusually light or otherwise different from what you expect. Follow the advice supplied with the emergency contraception and contact a healthcare professional if you remain concerned.
When Should You Seek Further Medical Advice?
Contact a pharmacist, GP or sexual health service if you remain concerned after using emergency contraception, particularly if:
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Your next period is late or unusually light
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You experience persistent or significant lower abdominal pain
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You develop possible symptoms of pregnancy
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You have unprotected sex again after taking emergency contraception
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You are worried about a sexually transmitted infection
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You vomit after taking the emergency contraceptive pill
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You experience unexpected or worsening symptoms
Emergency contraception cannot end an existing pregnancy. If you think you may already be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and seek appropriate medical advice.
Is Emergency Contraception Free in Scotland?
People registered with a GP in Scotland may be eligible to receive emergency contraception free through the NHS, subject to a pharmacist’s assessment. Availability may vary between branches, so contact your nearest Right Medicine Pharmacy before travelling if you would like to confirm that the service is offered.
You can also purchase contraceptive products from our pharmacies and ask the team for general advice about ongoing contraception. For a full review or supply of a method that the pharmacy cannot provide, you may be directed to your GP or a local sexual health service.
Confidential Contraception Support
Conversations about contraception are handled sensitively and confidentially. You can ask to speak to the pharmacist in private when you book your visit.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you are concerned about an STI, need testing or require support with ongoing contraception, our pharmacists can help direct you to an appropriate service.
Visit or contact your nearest Right Medicine Pharmacy as soon as possible if you need emergency contraception or confidential advice about your options.