What is the NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service?
Everest Pharmacy is pleased to offer the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service — a free, confidential service available at all of our branches across Manchester. Our trained pharmacists can help you access oral contraception conveniently, without the need for a GP appointment.
Whether you are starting contraception for the first time, continuing after a break, or simply need an ongoing supply of your current oral contraceptive pill, our team is here to support you with expert advice and a private, non-judgemental consultation.
This service is completely free of charge and is available to eligible patients at all Everest Pharmacy branches. Contraception services are free and confidential on the NHS — including for young people under 16.
What Does the Service Include?
Our pharmacists are commissioned by the NHS to provide the following as part of this service:
- Starting the combined pill or progestogen-only pill for the first time — our pharmacist will take a full consultation to make sure the pill is suitable for you.
- Continuing your current oral contraceptive pill — regular ongoing supply without needing to visit your GP each time.
- Restarting oral contraception after a break — whether your break was planned or unplanned, we can help you resume safely.
- Contraception advice and counselling — our pharmacists can discuss all your options, explain how your contraception works, and answer any questions you have.
- Signposting to other services — if you need a method we don’t provide in pharmacy (such as the coil, implant or injection), we’ll refer you to the right place quickly.
Methods of Contraception Available
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service covers oral contraception. Our pharmacists can supply and advise on:
Contains progestogen and oestrogen. Over 99% effective when taken correctly.
Contains progestogen only. Suitable for those who cannot take oestrogen.
Our pharmacists can also provide information and referrals for other methods of contraception not supplied at pharmacy, including:
- Contraceptive implant — a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm, over 99% effective for up to 3 years
- Contraceptive injection — given every 8–13 weeks depending on the type used
- IUD (copper coil) — non-hormonal, inserted into the womb, effective for 5–10 years; can also be used as emergency contraception
- IUS (hormonal coil) — releases progestogen, effective for 3–8 years depending on the type
- Contraceptive patch — worn on the skin and changed weekly
- Vaginal ring — inserted monthly, releases progestogen and oestrogen
- Condoms — the only method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
How Effective is Oral Contraception?
When taken correctly and consistently, oral contraception is highly effective. The table below shows typical effectiveness rates based on NHS guidance:
| Method | Effectiveness (perfect use) | Effectiveness (typical use) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined pill | Over 99% | ~91% | |
| Progestogen-only pill | Over 99% | ~91% | |
| Contraceptive implant | Over 99% | Over 99% | |
| IUD (copper coil) | Over 99% | Over 99% | |
| IUS (hormonal coil) | Over 99% | Over 99% | |
| Male condom | 98% | ~82% |
Source: NHS — Methods of contraception, reviewed June 2025.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your consultation is private, confidential and carried out by a trained NHS pharmacist. Here is what to expect:
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1Private consultation
Your pharmacist will ask about your medical history, any current medications, and your contraception history to ensure the chosen method is safe and suitable for you.
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2Blood pressure check
A blood pressure reading is taken as standard before prescribing the combined pill, in line with NHS clinical guidelines.
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3Supply of your contraception
If appropriate, your pharmacist will supply your oral contraceptive pill directly — no GP prescription required.
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4Advice and instructions
Your pharmacist will explain how and when to take your pill, what to do if you miss a dose, and how to manage side effects.
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5Ongoing support
You can return to us for repeat supplies and follow-up advice at any time. We’ll also refer you to your GP or a sexual health clinic if you need a method that requires clinical fitting.
Emergency Contraception
If you need emergency contraception, our pharmacists can help. The two main options available without a prescription are:
- Levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle) — taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.
- Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) — taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is available at all Everest Pharmacy branches. You do not need to book an appointment — simply speak to our pharmacist. The copper IUD (coil) is also available as emergency contraception and is the most effective option (over 99%), fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex — speak to us about referral.
Who Can Use This Service?
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is available to:
- Anyone wishing to start oral contraception for the first time
- Existing pill users who need ongoing supply without visiting their GP
- Anyone who has had a break from oral contraception and wishes to restart
- Young people under 16 — the service is confidential and free; your parents or carers will not be told unless there is a safeguarding concern
A pharmacist will assess your suitability during your consultation. There are some medical conditions that may mean the combined pill is not suitable for you — in these cases, we will discuss alternatives and refer you appropriately.
Sources: NHS — Contraception (reviewed April 2025) · NHS — Methods of contraception · NHS — Where to get contraception
