Contraception Service
Get advice and supply of oral contraceptive pills from Corby Pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment. Our pharmacist will speak with you privately about your options and what suits you.
Private & confidential
Speak privately with our pharmacist. Your consultation is confidential and we won't share information without your consent.
No GP appointment needed
Access the service directly through the pharmacy, ideal when GP appointments are hard to get.
Same pills, free
Get the same NHS oral contraceptive pills you'd receive from your GP, completely free of charge.
Who can use this service?
When you book, you'll choose which applies to you:
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Starting for the first time You want to start using the contraceptive pill for the first time and need advice on which pill is right for you.
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Restarting after a break You've taken the contraceptive pill before but stopped for a while, and now you want to start taking it again.
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Continuing usual supply You already take the contraceptive pill regularly and need your next supply.
What happens during your consultation?
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1
Private discussionWe'll ask about your medical history and discuss which contraceptive pill is suitable for you.
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2
Health checksWe'll check your blood pressure and may check your weight and height if needed.
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3
Supply and adviceWe supply suitable oral contraception and explain how to take it safely and effectively.
What we can provide
Combined oral contraceptive pills
Pills that contain both oestrogen and progesterone.
Progesterone-only pills (mini-pill)
Pills that contain only progesterone, suitable if you can't take oestrogen.
Emergency contraception (morning after pill)
If you've had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed, emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is, walk into the pharmacy as soon as possible.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. It works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg, it is not an abortion and won't harm an existing pregnancy.
During your private consultation, our pharmacist will assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate type of emergency contraception based on how long ago you had unprotected sex, your medical history, and any medicines you're taking.
Types of emergency contraception
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle)
- Effective up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex
- Most effective when taken within 24 hours
- Single tablet, free on the NHS
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne)
Most effective- Effective up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex
- Effectiveness doesn't decline over the 5 days
- Single tablet, free on the NHS
How to access emergency contraception
Walk in, no appointment needed
Come to the pharmacy and ask to speak with a pharmacist privately. We'll prioritise your consultation.
Completely confidential
Your consultation is private. We won't share information without your consent.
Free on the NHS
Both types of emergency contraceptive pill are completely free under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.
Important information
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Available to all ages. Young people under 16 can access emergency contraception following a consultation with our pharmacist
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Emergency contraception doesn't protect against STIs. Use condoms to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections.
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Some medicines can reduce effectiveness, including treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, and St John's wort. Tell the pharmacist about any medicines you take.
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Your next period may be different, it might arrive earlier or later, or be heavier than usual. If it's more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Need emergency contraception now?
Walk into the pharmacy during opening hours. No appointment needed, just ask to speak with a pharmacist.
Common questions
How much contraception will you give me?
If you're starting for the first time or restarting, we'll usually provide an initial supply (typically 3 months) to make sure the pill suits you.
For ongoing supply, we'll normally provide the usual duration you receive from your GP, up to a maximum of 12 months where clinically appropriate.
Is the service free?
Will you tell my GP?
Your consultation is confidential. We won't share information with your GP without your consent.
However, it's usually a good idea to let your GP know you're taking contraception so they have a complete record of your medicines. We can send them a brief summary if you agree.
If we identify a health concern during the consultation (such as raised blood pressure), we'll discuss why sharing information with your GP may be helpful for your ongoing care.
What if I'm under 16?
If you're under 16, we can still provide contraception advice and supply if appropriate. The consultation is confidential.
Our pharmacist will have a private, sensitive discussion with you to make sure you understand how to use contraception safely and that you're able to consent to treatment.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
What if the pill doesn't suit me?
If you experience side effects or the pill doesn't suit you, come back and speak with us. We can discuss alternative pills or refer you to your GP or sexual health clinic for other contraception options.
Never stop taking contraception without speaking to a healthcare professional first if you want to avoid pregnancy.
Ready to book?
Call Corby Pharmacy or book online. You'll choose your appointment type when booking.
This information is based on NHS guidance. For emergency contraception, walk into the pharmacy during opening hours, no appointment needed. For other urgent contraception advice, contact your GP, sexual health clinic, or NHS 111. In a medical emergency, call 999.