Time is the critical factor with emergency contraception. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. Alisha Pharmacy in Chiswick provides same-day, walk-in access without the need for a GP appointment, an online consultation, or a wait of several days.
If you are in Chiswick, Hammersmith, Brentford, Richmond, or the surrounding areas and need the morning after pill today, you can come directly to us.
How Emergency Contraception Works and Why Timing Matters
Emergency contraception works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. It does not end with an established pregnancy. Understanding this distinction matters, both clinically and for anyone who has questions about how it works.
There are two types available from pharmacies in the UK:
- Levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle): Effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, with efficacy declining meaningfully after the first 12 hours.
- Ulipristal acetate (e.g. ellaOne): Effective up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, with more consistent efficacy across the full window.
- Copper IUD: The most effective option overall, over 99% effective when fitted within five days. Requires a GP or sexual health clinic referral.
Most people who come to us are within that first 24-hour window, and for good reason. The sooner ulipristal acetate or levonorgestrel is taken, the higher the likelihood of preventing pregnancy. Waiting to see whether a period arrives first is not a recommended approach.
Does Body Weight Affect Which Option Is More Suitable
Yes, and this is something that rarely features online information but comes up regularly in conversations at the pharmacy. For those with a body weight above 70 kg, levonorgestrel may be less effective. Ulipristal acetate is generally the more appropriate choice in this case.
Our pharmacist will ask a small number of clinical questions to ensure you receive the most suitable option. These questions are routine, not intrusive, and the consultation is fully confidential.
Who Can Access Emergency Contraception at Alisha Pharmacy
Emergency contraception is available to anyone who needs it. There is no requirement to be registered with a local GP, and you do not need to have visited us before.
The service is available to:
- Anyone who has had unprotected sex within the last 120 hours
- Those whose regular contraception has failed, including a split condom, missed pill, or dislodged patch or ring
- Anyone who has experienced sexual assault and needs support alongside emergency contraception
The consultation takes place privately. For those who have experienced assault, we can also signpost to appropriate support services. The NHS sexual health services finder can help locate additional specialist care if needed.
What to Expect During Your Walk-In Visit
You do not need an appointment. Walk in during opening hours, let the team know you need emergency contraception, and you will be seen in a private consultation area.
The pharmacist will ask a short series of questions about:
- The timing of unprotected sex
- Your current medications (some, including enzyme-inducing drugs such as rifampicin, can reduce efficacy)
- Any relevant medical history, including previous use of emergency contraception in the same cycle
- Body weight, to ensure the most appropriate option is recommended
This is not a formal clinical examination. It is a structured conversation that takes around five to ten minutes and ensures what you receive is both safe and appropriate for you.
Will I Need to Pay
Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate are available at Alisha Pharmacy on a private basis. Costs are straightforward and will be confirmed before any supply is made. Free provision may be available through NHS sexual health services if cost is a barrier, and our team can advise on local options.
Can I Get Emergency Contraception More Than Once
Yes. There is no clinical restriction on how many times someone can use emergency contraception. However, if you find yourself needing it regularly, it is worth having a broader conversation about ongoing contraception options. You may also wish to explore contraception services at Alisha Pharmacy for longer-term options.
Emergency Contraception Across West London: Chiswick, Hammersmith, Brentford and Richmond
Alisha Pharmacy is centrally located in Chiswick and straightforward to reach from Hammersmith, Brentford, Kew, Richmond, and Acton. If you have been searching for pharmacy emergency contraception in West London or the morning after pill in Chiswick, we are here and open.
We understand that this is not a situation where anyone wants to be told to come back later or visit a different service. Same-day access is the point, and that is what we provide.
If you are unsure whether we are your closest option, the NHS pharmacy finder can confirm nearby services. But if you are in West London, Alisha Pharmacy is likely your most accessible walk-in option.
After Taking Emergency Contraception: What Happens Next
Side effects are common and usually mild. Nausea is the most frequently reported, along with breast tenderness and irregular spotting. If you vomit within three hours of taking levonorgestrel, or within three hours of taking ulipristal acetate, you will need to return for a replacement dose.
Your next period may arrive earlier or later than expected. This is normal and not a cause for concern on its own. If your period is more than five days late, a pregnancy test is advisable.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you have any concern about STI exposure, our sexual health testing service at Alisha Pharmacy can arrange testing quickly and discreetly.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test After Emergency Contraception
Wait at least three weeks after taking emergency contraception before testing. Testing too early can produce a misleading result. Most over-the-counter tests are accurate from around 21 days after the unprotected sex event.
Speak With the Team at Alisha Pharmacy
If you need emergency contraception in Chiswick or anywhere across West London, Alisha Pharmacy is open and accessible. Walk in during pharmacy hours and our team will see you promptly, privately, and without judgement.
We also support patients with ongoing contraception advice, sexual health testing, and general reproductive health queries. You do not have to have an urgent need to speak with us.
View all services at Alisha Pharmacy or visit us in Chiswick where the team is ready to help with same-day advice and treatment.
For broader sexual and reproductive health information, NICE guidance on contraception (NG216) provides a comprehensive clinical overview of all available options.
FAQ
Q. How quickly does the morning after pill work?
Emergency contraception works by delaying or preventing ovulation, not by stopping an established pregnancy. Both levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate are most effective the sooner they are taken. Taking either within the first 12 to 24 hours gives the highest likelihood of preventing pregnancy.
Q. Can I get the morning after pill on the same day in Chiswick?
Yes. Alisha Pharmacy in Chiswick offers walk-in access to emergency contraception on the same day, with no appointment necessary. Visit during pharmacy opening hours and you will be seen by a pharmacist in a private consultation room.
Q. What is the difference between ellaOne and Levonelle?
Levonelle (levonorgestrel) is effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. ellaOne (ulipristal acetate) is effective for up to 120 hours and maintains more consistent efficacy across that full window. For those with a body weight above 70 kg, ulipristal acetate is generally the more appropriate choice.
Q. Does the morning after pill affect my regular contraception?
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception taken shortly afterwards, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, and hormonal patch. You should use barrier contraception for the seven days following ellaOne use if you restart or continue hormonal contraception. Levonorgestrel does not carry the same interaction risk.
Q. Is emergency contraception available for free in West London?
Free emergency contraception may be available through NHS sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries. Alisha Pharmacy provides emergency contraception on a private basis, with clear pricing confirmed before any supply. If cost is a concern, our team can advise on free local NHS options.
Q. Will taking the morning after pill affect my fertility?
No. Emergency contraception has no lasting effect on fertility. Your ability to conceive returns immediately after use. Some people experience a delayed or earlier period in the cycle following use, which is a normal hormonal response and not a sign of any ongoing change.
Q. Can I take the morning after pill if I am already on another medication?
Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraception, particularly enzyme-inducing drugs such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, and St John’s Wort. If you take any of these, a double dose of levonorgestrel or a copper IUD may be more appropriate. Always disclose your current medications to the pharmacist at the time of consultation.
Q. How soon after taking emergency contraception can I have sex again?
You can have sex again after taking emergency contraception, but the pill does not provide ongoing contraceptive protection. Using barrier contraception until your next period is advisable if you are not using a regular ongoing method.