Emergency contraception Preston – morning-after pill & copper coil (IUD)

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction and weight‑loss drugs might dominate headlines, but for women there is another pressing issue: access to reliable emergency contraception and wider women’s health services. Whether you’ve had a contraceptive failure, missed pills or had unprotected sex, acting quickly can prevent an unplanned pregnancy. In Preston and its surrounding Lancashire towns, you can access both NHS and private care — including confidential appointments at MedCare Health Clinic & Pharmacy.

This article explains the types of emergency contraception available in the UK, how they work, when to use them and where to obtain them in Preston. It also highlights other women’s health services you can access locally, plus lifestyle advice and FAQs. All information comes from reputable UK sources such as the NHS and national contraception guidelines.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed (for example a condom splitting or missing your pill). Its purpose is to prevent pregnancy before it starts, either by delaying ovulation or stopping a fertilised egg from implanting. You have three main options in the UK:

1. The emergency contraceptive pill – a hormone tablet that delays ovulation. There are two types: levonorgestrel (brand names Levonelle, Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (EllaOne). The NHS advises taking one dose within a specific timeframe depending on the type: within 3 days (72 hours) of sex for levonorgestrel or within 5 days (120 hours) for ulipristal acetate [1].
2. The copper intrauterine device (IUD) – a T‑shaped copper coil inserted into the uterus. It can be fitted up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or up to 5 days after the earliest possible ovulation [2]. It is the most effective form of emergency contraception because it prevents fertilisation and implantation and can then provide long‑term contraception for up to 10 years [2].
3. Emergency contraceptive pills with progesterone (in some countries only). In the UK the two main pills are levonorgestrel and ulipristal; over‑the‑counter progestin‑only pills are not available.

None of these methods protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For that, you need barrier protection (such as condoms) and/or regular STI screening.

Emergency contraceptive pills: options and timing

Levonorgestrel pill (72‑hour pill)

This pill contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. It works primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing the release of an egg. According to the NHS, levonorgestrel must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex [1]. It is most effective the earlier it is taken-ideally within the first 12 hours. Some key points:

• Available without prescription in many community pharmacies.
• Safe for most women, including those who are breastfeeding.
• Less effective if you are taking certain medications (e.g., some anti‑epileptics, St John’s wort) or if your body mass index (BMI) is above 26 kg/m². In these cases, a copper IUD or ulipristal may be better.
• Side effects can include nausea, slight period changes and breast tenderness. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking it, you need to take another pill.

Ulipristal acetate pill (120‑hour pill)

Ulipristal is a non‑hormonal pill that blocks the hormone progesterone. It works by stopping or delaying ovulation. The NHS states that ulipristal must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex [1]. Key points include:

• Requires a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist trained to supply it.
• More effective than levonorgestrel, especially in the days just before ovulation.
• Cannot be used if you are breastfeeding or using certain medications (e.g., some antacids, proton pump inhibitors) without medical advice.
• After taking ulipristal, you should avoid starting or resuming hormonal contraception for at least 5 days and use condoms in the meantime.

Which pill should you choose?

Your choice depends on several factors: when you had unprotected sex, your weight/BMI, any medications you take and whether you are breastfeeding. A pharmacist or doctor can advise. If you are beyond 72 hours since sex or have a higher BMI, ulipristal or the copper IUD may offer better protection. Remember that the sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it will be.

Copper IUD: the most effective emergency contraception

How the copper coil works

The copper IUD is a small T‑shaped device made of plastic and copper that a trained healthcare professional places inside the womb. It releases copper ions, which are toxic to sperm and prevent fertilisation. Importantly, if fertilisation has already occurred, the copper IUD makes the lining of the womb inhospitable to implantation.

Timing and effectiveness

The copper IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex or up to 5 days after the earliest possible date you could have ovulated [2]. Because sperm can survive in the uterus and fallopian tubes for up to 5 days, the IUD effectively covers the entire fertile window. According to NHS guidance, it is the most effective emergency method, with fewer than 1 in 1,000 women becoming pregnant after fitting [2].

Pros

• Provides immediate and ongoing contraception for up to 10 years.
• No hormones, so it is suitable if you cannot take hormonal pills.
• Works as soon as it is inserted.
• Can be removed at any time by a professional, with fertility returning immediately.

Cons

• Insertion can be uncomfortable, though it usually takes less than 15 minutes [2].
• Periods may become heavier or more painful initially.
• Small risk of infection or perforation (rare).

Where to get a copper IUD in Preston

According to NHS guidance, you can get a copper IUD fitted at sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries, certain family planning clinics and youth clinics [2]. Appointments are free on the NHS. You may need to call ahead as not all GP practices offer the service.

When should you consider emergency contraception?

Situations that may require emergency contraception include:

• Forgetting to take your regular contraceptive pill or missing two or more pills in a row.
• A condom splitting or slipping off during sex.
• Being more than a week late for your contraceptive injection.
• Unprotected intercourse during the fertile window when not using any method.
• Sexual assault or any unwanted sexual contact.

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether you need it, speak to a pharmacist, GP or call MedCare for advice.

Women’s health services at MedCare Health Clinic & Pharmacy

MedCare isn’t just a provider of weight‑management injections or ED treatments. Our clinic in Preston offers comprehensive women’s health services. These include:

• Emergency contraception – Morning‑after pill prescriptions and same‑day copper IUD fitting.
• Regular contraception – Combined oral contraceptive pill, progestogen‑only pill, contraceptive implants, injections and coils.
• Sexual health screening – STI testing and treatment, cervical smear tests and HPV vaccination.
• Pregnancy testing and early pregnancy support.
• Menopause and hormone therapy consultations.
• General women’s health consultations – menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) management, fertility counselling and weight‑management advice.

By combining clinical expertise with a community pharmacy service, we ensure you can access the right care quickly and discreetly.

Why we write about Preston

If you’re reading this article, chances are you searched for “emergency contraception Preston” or “morning after pill near me”. Local SEO helps connect healthcare practices with the people in their communities. According to digital marketing experts, medical practices should create local content about health issues and events to connect with their community and attract patients. By focusing on Preston, we ensure you get relevant, location‑specific information instead of generic advice. We know Preston’s GP services, clinics and pharmacies – and we highlight how MedCare can serve you.

Frequently asked questions

Can my partner purchase emergency contraception for me?
 Yes. In many pharmacies a partner can buy the pill, but the pharmacist may want to speak to the woman directly to check medical history. If you’re under 16, you should speak with a healthcare professional in person.

Does emergency contraception affect future fertility?
 No. Emergency contraceptive pills and the copper IUD have no long‑term effect on fertility. Normal cycles return after use.

Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion?
 No. Emergency contraception works by delaying ovulation or preventing implantation. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy.

How soon can I have sex again after emergency contraception?
 After taking levonorgestrel or ulipristal, you should use condoms until you begin a reliable ongoing method. After a copper IUD, you’re protected immediately.

Is emergency contraception free?
 Yes, it’s free from most NHS services, sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries. Pharmacies may charge a fee. MedCare offers competitive pricing and convenient access.

Conclusion

Emergency contraception is a vital safety net when things don’t go to plan. In Preston, you have several ways to get help quickly — through NHS services, community pharmacies and private clinics like MedCare Health Clinic & Pharmacy. Whether you opt for the 72‑hour pill, the 5‑day pill or the copper IUD, acting quickly maximises efficacy. Always check the timing (within 72 or 120 hours for pills; within 5 days for the coil) and consider long‑term contraception to prevent future worries [1][2].

In addition to emergency contraception, MedCare offers a full range of women’s health services, including regular contraception, STI testing and menopause care. Our goal is to provide accessible, confidential healthcare to women across Preston, Fulwood, Leyland and the wider Lancashire region. Contact us today to book a consultation or learn more about how we can support your reproductive health.

References

1. NHS guidance on emergency contraceptive pills – types and timingnhs.uk

NHS guidance on the copper IUD for emergency contraception – timing, effectiveness and fittingcontraceptionchoices.org.