Image is illustrative and does not show Hyde Park Pharmacy premises or staff.
If you are starting university, moving to Leeds or just cannot get a GP appointment, you may be wondering whether you have to pay for the pill. In England, you do not. The NHS says contraception services are free and confidential, and some pharmacies can now supply the pill without a GP visit.
Is the contraceptive pill free on the NHS?
Yes. The NHS states that contraception is free from GP surgeries, sexual health clinics and most pharmacies. This is true for young people too: the NHS says contraception is free and confidential, including for under-16s.
The NHS also says that some pharmacies offer contraception for free without you needing to see a doctor or nurse for a prescription. Not every pharmacy takes part, so ask first.
What are your options for getting the pill?
There are two main types of pill. The combined pill contains two hormones. The progestogen-only pill (often called the mini pill) contains one. The NHS says both are over 99% effective if taken correctly all the time, and around 91% effective if not.
Who can get the pill from a pharmacy?
The NHS says a pharmacist may be able to supply the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill for free without a prescription. You can also buy some brands of mini pill. The NHS says that if you are aged 18 or older, you can buy the progestogen-only pill from most pharmacies.
One example is Lovima 75 microgram tablets, a progestogen-only pill that a pharmacy can sell without a prescription after a pharmacist check. Its patient leaflet lists who should not take it. You can see the wider range on our contraceptive pill page.
Combined pill or mini pill: what is the difference?
| Combined pill | Progestogen-only pill | |
|---|---|---|
| Hormones | Oestrogen and progestogen | Progestogen only |
| May not suit you if | You are 35 or over and smoke, or have had blood clots, a stroke, or migraines with aura | You have ever had heart or blood vessel disease, a stroke, breast cancer, or certain liver or kidney conditions |
| Breastfeeding | Ask the pharmacist | The NHS says it is safe to use when breastfeeding |
Both lists are not complete. That is why the consultation matters.
Is ellaOne a contraceptive pill?
Not in the everyday sense. ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive pill, sometimes called the morning-after pill. It is not meant for regular contraception. The NHS says ulipristal acetate (brands include ellaOne) needs to be taken within 5 days (120 hours) after sex. The same page says the emergency pill is free from most pharmacies, and that an IUD is the most effective type of emergency contraception.
If you need emergency contraception, contact a pharmacy straight away. Our morning-after pill page explains the options. A pharmacist will talk with you before any supply, and can discuss a regular method afterwards.
When to see a GP or sexual health clinic instead
- You have any condition from the NHS lists above, or are unsure.
- You want a longer-acting method, such as an implant or coil. These are fitted by a trained nurse or doctor, usually at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery.
- Side effects bother you or do not settle, such as unusual bleeding or headaches that keep coming back.
- Ask NHS 111 for urgent advice if you get pain and swelling in one leg while taking the pill. Call 999 if that comes with chest pain or breathlessness, or if you get a sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had before.
- You may be pregnant, or have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.
How a consultation works at Hyde Park Pharmacy
- Get in touch. Message us on WhatsApp, call, or pop in. Ask whether the free NHS service is available with us that day.
- Private chat. We talk in our consultation room, in person or by video. We ask about your health, other medicines and your preferences.
- The pharmacist decides. Your answers are passed to the pharmacist, who reviews them and decides what is suitable. If a pill is not right for you, we will explain why and point you to a GP or clinic.
- Follow-up. We explain how to start your pill, what to do if you miss one, and when to come back.
Frequently asked questions
Is the contraceptive pill really free?
Yes. The NHS says contraception services are free and confidential. Buying a pharmacy medicine outside the NHS service is a separate, paid choice.
Is ellaOne the same as the contraceptive pill?
No. ellaOne is emergency contraception, which the NHS says must be taken within 5 days (120 hours) after sex. It does not give ongoing protection, so ask the pharmacist about a regular method.
Can I get contraception if I am under 16?
Yes. The NHS says contraception is free and confidential, including for young people under 16. A pharmacist can talk through your options or help you reach a sexual health clinic.
What if I am late taking my mini pill?
It depends on the type. The NHS gives 3 hours for traditional pills, and 12 or 24 hours for some newer types — your patient leaflet says which yours is. If you are later than that, read your patient leaflet and ask a pharmacist.
Do I need a GP appointment first?
Not always. The NHS says some pharmacies may offer the pill for free without a prescription. The pharmacist will still ask health questions and decide whether it is suitable.
Questions about contraception?
Talk to our pharmacist team in confidence. We will review your answers and help you find the right route.
WhatsApp a pharmacist Call 0113 244 1551Regulatory information
Hyde Park Pharmacy is operated by Pharmacareuk Ltd, 22-24 Woodsley Road, Leeds LS3 1DT. GPhC premises registration: 9011727. Superintendent pharmacist: Shoyab Umarji (GPhC 2065619).
If you think a medicine has caused a side effect, report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Sources
Where to get treatment
Our pharmacist can check what suits you. Every treatment is supplied only after a pharmacy consultation confirms it is appropriate.
Lovima 75mcg Tablets →Contraceptive Pill treatments →This is general information. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.