How does the Arlington Health emergency contraception service work?

Our service consists of 3 fast steps: 1. Fill our confidential online assessment form (takes 5 minutes). 2. A registered clinician calls you within 30-60 minutes to review your details and confirm suitability. 3. A digital private prescription (Rx) is issued immediately, ready for same-day collection at our Altrincham clinic or electronic transmission to your local pharmacy.

Which morning after pill is right for me — ellaOne or Levonelle?

ellaOne (ulipristal acetate 30mg) is effective up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex and is more effective than Levonelle, especially if you weigh over 70kg or have a BMI over 26. Levonelle (levonorgestrel 1500mcg) is effective up to 3 days (72 hours) and works best when taken within 12–24 hours. During your clinician call, your doctor will advise you on the safest, most effective option for your circumstances.

How soon do I need to take the morning after pill?

The morning after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex for maximum effectiveness. While ellaOne works up to 120 hours (5 days) and Levonelle works up to 72 hours (3 days), both are significantly more effective the earlier they are taken.

What happens if I vomit after taking the morning after pill?

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking ellaOne or within 2 hours of taking Levonelle, the medication may not have been fully absorbed into your system. You will need to contact our clinic or call our doctor immediately to arrange a replacement dose.

Does the morning after pill cause an abortion?

No. The morning after pill does not cause an abortion and will not terminate an established pregnancy. It works by delaying or inhibiting the release of an egg (ovulation) so that fertilization cannot occur. If you are already pregnant, the morning after pill will not be effective.

Where can I collect my prescription?

You can collect your medication directly from Arlington Health at Bollin Clinic, 33 Stamford Green, Altrincham, or we can send your private prescription electronically to any community pharmacy of your choice (such as Boots, local chemists in Altrincham, Hale, Sale, or across the UK) for same-day collection.

Morning After Pill in Altrincham | Emergency Contraception Online

Time is Critical — Don't Delay

Emergency contraception is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g. split condom, missed regular contraceptive pill). ellaOne can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days), and Levonelle can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days).

How the Arlington Health Service Works

We combine the convenience of an online health consultation with the safety and thoroughness of a private GP review. No awkward waiting rooms, no delays.

Fill Online Form

Answer our secure, confidential medical questions (approx. 5 minutes). Share timing, regular contraception, and basic medical history.

Clinician Calls You

An experienced UK-registered GP or independent prescriber calls for a sensitive, unhurried review.

Rx Issued Same-Day

Your private digital prescription is issued instantly for collection at our Altrincham clinic or sent to your chosen pharmacy or home ddelivered.

Emergency Contraceptive Medications

We prescribe both leading emergency contraceptive pills based on medical eligibility, timing, and personal circumstances.

Most Effective Oral Option

ellaOne (30mg)

Active Ingredient: Ulipristal Acetate

Effective for up to 5 days (120 hours)
Delays ovulation even as LH hormone begins surging
Suitable for women > 70kg or BMI > 26
2.5x more effective than levonorgestrel when taken early

Request ellaOne

Established Choice

Levonelle / Levonorgestrel (1500mcg)

Active Ingredient: Levonorgestrel

Effective for up to 3 days (72 hours)
Highest success rate when taken in first 12–24 hours
Can resume regular hormonal contraception sooner
Double dose may be prescribed if weight > 70kg

Request Levonelle

Step 1: Clinical Triage Form

Online Medical Assessment Form

All information is treated with strict medical confidentiality under UK GDPR and CQC regulations.

1. When did unprotected sex occur? *

Within 24 hours 24 to 72 hours (3 days) 72 to 120 hours (5 days) Over 120 hours ago

2. Reason for needing emergency contraception *

Approximate weight / BMI

Preferred medication

Your Contact Details for Clinician Callback

Full Name *

Date of Birth *

Telephone (Doctor calls you here) *

Email address *

Collection Preference *

I confirm the above information is accurate and consent to an Arlington Health clinician calling me to review this clinical consultation.

Essential Medical Information

How Emergency Contraception Works

Morning after pills work by suppressing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries). Because sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, delaying egg release prevents fertilization. They do not cause an abortion and will not harm an established pregnancy.

What If I Vomit Within 3 Hours?

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking ellaOne, or within 2 hours of taking Levonelle, the medication will not have been absorbed properly. You must contact our clinic or your clinician immediately to obtain a replacement dose.

Emergency Copper IUD (The Most Effective Alternative)

A copper intrauterine device (IUD) inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and provides ongoing contraception for 5 to 10 years. Our clinicians can discuss this option during your consultation and facilitate referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will the clinician call me after I submit the form?

Our clinicians review emergency contraception requests with priority. During clinic hours (8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm Sat, 10am–2pm Sun), a clinician will call you same day. Outside of these hours, calls are placed first thing the following morning.

Will anyone else know I requested this service?

No. Arlington Health is a private, CQC-registered medical practice. Your consultation, records, and prescriptions are strictly confidential. We do not inform your NHS GP without your explicit written request.

What side effects might I experience?

Most women experience no or mild side effects. Common temporary symptoms can include mild nausea, lower abdominal cramping, headache, breast tenderness, or fatigue. Your next menstrual period may arrive a few days earlier or later than usual.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

We advise doing a pregnancy test 3 weeks after taking emergency contraception, or if your next period is more than 7 days late or unusually light.

Morning After Pill Altrincham