Emergency contraception at night in London: your options and how fast

The short answer

Use emergency contraception as soon as you can. The copper IUD can be fitted up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex; Levonelle is within 3 days (72 hours), and ellaOne is within 5 days (120 hours).

Use emergency contraception as soon as you can. It can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, and it is usually more effective the sooner it is used. You need to use it within 3 to 5 days of unprotected sex, depending on the method.

At night, or whenever you need urgent help, NHS 111 online can direct you to the best place to get help. It is available in England only. If you want a pharmacy, how to find one that is open now is here.

The two types, and the clock

There are two types of emergency contraception: the copper IUD and the emergency contraceptive pill. The copper IUD is the most effective type. It can be fitted up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex, but it needs an appointment with a nurse or doctor and is usually fitted at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery.

There are two kinds of pill. The levonorgestrel pill, which includes Levonelle, must be taken within 3 days (72 hours) after sex. The ulipristal acetate pill, which includes ellaOne, must be taken within 5 days (120 hours) after sex.

Where to get it, and what it costs

Emergency contraception is free from most sexual health clinics and most GP surgeries. The emergency pill is also free from most pharmacies, some NHS walk-in centres and some young people’s services. Many pharmacies also sell the pill in their shops and online.

Privacy

Contraception is free and confidential for people under 16 as well as for older people. Visits to a sexual health clinic are confidential too, including what is discussed with your GP.

A pregnancy test afterwards

Most pregnancy tests can be taken from the first day of a missed period. If you do not know when your next period is due, take the test at least 21 days after the last unprotected sex. You can use urine collected at any time of day; it does not have to be the first of the morning.

Sources

Every statement above rests on a page we opened and checked on 3 October 2026. We are not a medical, legal or emergency service: for an emergency, ring 999.

NHS: nhs.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception/
NHS: nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-
NHS: nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-contraception-services
NHS 111 online: 111.nhs.uk/
NHS: nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/doing-a-pregnancy-test/

Checked: 3 October 2026