Sheffield’s highly accessible Sexual Health Services
If you’ve had unprotected sex or your normal contraceptive has failed in the last 5 days, then you may be in need of Emergency Contraception, more commonly known as the “morning after pill”. In Sheffield, there are numerous places you’re able to obtain it. In this article, I’m going to explain to you exactly what kind of emergency contraception is available and where you can get it.
What types of Emergency Contraception are there?
In the UK, there are currently 3 different types of emergency contraception available. These are:
Levonelle (Levonorgestrel 1500mg) – Can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex and is the most commonly prescribed and sold emergency contraceptive. Levonelle is frequently described as the “morning after pill”.
EllaOne (Ulipristal acetate 30mg) – Can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is thought to be more effective than Levonelle if 24 hours have passed.
Intrauterine Devices or Systems (IUD’s or IUS’s) – These are effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex. There are various brands licensed in the UK, but the one most commonly prescribed in Sheffield is Mirena.
Where can I get the morning after pill in Sheffield?
Sheffield’s health services are excellent and highly accessible, providing a variety of ways that you can access emergency contraception.
Your local Community Pharmacy
It is more than likely that the pharmacy closest to you offers the morning after pill and is absolutely the most convenient, quickest yet confidential method. In many circumstances, if you’re under 18 Yrs of age, then you may be eligible to get the morning after pill free of charge as part of an NHS scheme. Simply give the pharmacy a call before you make your way there and ask the pharmacist if they are part of this scheme.
For a list of pharmacies closest to you, enter your postcode on the NHS Choices website.
Sexual Health Sheffield
Also known as the “Sexual Health Clinic”, Sexual Health Sheffield is open to the public for emergency contraception and is now based in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. For more information, you can give them a call on 0114 226 8888.
Your GP Surgery
This is another option for you to get emergency contraception, although it may require an appointment first and so may delay you being treated. For a list of GP surgeries close to you, type your postcode into the NHS Choices website here.
The NHS Walk-in Centre
The Walk-in Centre is open all year round from 8am to 10pm and of course, as the name suggests, doesn’t require an appointment for you to be seen. You may have to wait an hour or so but this is another option for you if you can’t get to the pharmacy.
Online Services
Alternatively to these, you’re able to get the morning after pill online too. Platforms such as Push Doctor and Health Express offer a next-day delivery of Levonelle or EllaOne after a consultation with a health professional.
We are here for your support
As you can see, there are plenty of avenues you can go down in order to get the morning after pill in Sheffield. Your Community Pharmacy is the most accessible place to obtain it so try them first. The service is fully confidential and if you’re under 18 years of age, then it’s more than likely to be free of charge.
We at Green Cross Chemists are more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have. Either pop into one of our pharmacies, give a call, or send us an email at info@greencrosschemists.co.uk.