Is this service really free?

Your consultation and contraception are fully funded by the NHS. We also deliver free of charge. The delivery cost is on us. No hidden charges, no card details needed. Read more in our guide: Is the contraceptive pill free?

Has the pharmacy changed?

We have moved from Orford Pharmacy to Pharmacy Services Direct, operated by Imaan Ltd. You will still receive the same NHS service, from the same clinical team, with the same standard of care. Only the pharmacy name has changed.

Do I need a prescription from my GP?

No. Our pharmacists supply the contraceptive pill directly under a Patient Group Direction (PGD), an NHS legal framework that allows pharmacists to provide specific medications without a GP prescription.

How long does delivery take?

Your medication is posted the same day if your appointment is early enough, otherwise the following morning. Most deliveries arrive within 1 to 3 working days anywhere in the UK in plain, unmarked packaging.

How long does the consultation take?

For repeat supplies, around 5 minutes. If you're starting or switching, it may take a little longer as the pharmacist talks through your options and carries out a full assessment.

With Contraception Direct, you need to be aged 16 or over with a UK address. Combined pill: ages 16 to 49. Mini pill: ages 16 to 54. A recent blood pressure reading is required for the combined pill.

What if I miss the consultation call?

We'll try to reach you two more times within your chosen slot. If we can't get through, email us to rebook. No penalty or extra charge.

Can I switch to a different pill?

Yes. Your pharmacist can discuss alternatives during your consultation if you're experiencing side effects or your circumstances have changed.

Only if you want them to be. We can send a notification to your GP, but it's entirely optional.

What if I'm not suitable for the pill?

Our pharmacist will explain why and suggest the right next step: your GP, a different method, or a local sexual health clinic.

Is this available across the UK?

Yes. We deliver to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Do I need to have used the pill before?

No. This service covers both new starters and repeat supplies. First-time users get a full initiation assessment.

How often do I need a review?

An annual review is recommended. Your pharmacist will let you know when it's due.

Get the Contraceptive Pill Online: 100% Free

A short phone consultation with a pharmacist (about 5 minutes for a repeat supply), then your pill arrives in discreet packaging within 1-3 days. Over 300,000 women used the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service last year.

Clinically reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726).

New and ongoing users
NHS funded service
Tablets only
1 to 3 day delivery

In a nutshell

Contraception Direct is a free NHS service that delivers the contraceptive pill (also called birth control) to your door. Book a short phone consultation with a GPhC-registered pharmacist, and if the pill is right for you it arrives in discreet, plain packaging within 1 to 3 working days.

There is no GP appointment and no prescription needed. The consultation, the pill, and delivery are all free.

In brief

Service:: NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service: free pill, consultation and delivery.
Suitable for:: eligible UK patients starting, restarting, switching, or continuing the pill.
Consultation:: a short phone call with a GPhC-registered pharmacist; supply depends on their assessment.
Cost:: free, with no prescription charge and no card details.
Delivery:: discreet UK-wide postal delivery within 1 to 3 working days.
Alternatives:: a GP, sexual health clinic, or local pharmacy.

Order by pill type: the mini pill or the combined pill. Already on the pill? Get a repeat supply.

Can you buy the contraceptive pill online?

You can buy the contraceptive pill online from private online pharmacies, but in the UK you do not need to. The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service supplies the combined pill and the mini pill free after a consultation with a pharmacist, and some pharmacies, including ours, provide it online.

Private services charge for each pack, and some charge for the consultation too. Some mini pills can also be bought over the counter in a pharmacy, which you pay for. With us, the consultation, the pill and delivery are all free, and you never enter card details.

Compare the routes in are you overpaying for your pill? or read is the contraceptive pill free?

Three steps. That's it.

Book online
Pick a time. Takes 2 minutes.
Choose a slot that works for you. Just pop in a few details and we'll send you a confirmation email. No account needed, no card details.
Speak to a pharmacist
A quick, friendly chat.
A GPhC registered pharmacist calls you within your chosen slot. They'll review your medical history and confirm your pill. Usually under 10 minutes.
Free delivery
Plain packaging, straight to your door.
Your pill is posted the same day in plain packaging. No logos, nothing to indicate what's inside. Arrives within 1 to 3 working days.

Book now

Get the Contraceptive Pill Without a GP Appointment

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service means you can get your pill directly from a pharmacist. No GP visit, no waiting room, no prescription needed.

GP	Contraception Direct
Routine appointments can take days or weeks	Book online at a time that suits you
Usually means an in-person visit	Confidential phone consultation from anywhere
GP writes a script, then you collect separately	We assess, supply and post from one place
Travel, waiting rooms and a second trip	Done from home with discreet delivery

Both routes follow the same NHS clinical protocols, UKMEC criteria and Patient Group Directions. The standard of care is identical.

This service works alongside your existing NHS care. If your needs are more complex (coil, implant or injection), your pharmacist will point you to the right service.

Trusted by Thousands of Women Across the UK

"So much quicker and easier than seeing a GP. Booked a phone call online, the consultation took minutes, and my prescription arrived within 48 hours."
Sophie R
"I used to put off getting another box because going to the doctor and then waiting for the pharmacy took so long. This has made everything so much simpler."
Verified customer
"Completely free, fast delivery, and only a quick 5-minute call. I've been using this service for a good while and never had any issues."
Verified customer
"The whole process is made so easy. As someone starting contraception for the first time, I couldn't recommend them enough."
Freya T

Read all reviews on Trustpilot or see our patient reviews.

Who Can Use This Service?

For anyone aged 16+ in the UK who needs the contraceptive pill, whether you're already on it or starting for the first time.

Aged 16 to 49 (combined). Or 16 to 54 for the progestogen-only pill.
Based in the UK. England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Blood pressure reading. Required for the combined pill only.

Not sure if you're eligible? Book anyway. Our pharmacist will confirm everything during your call. No obligation.

Combined Pill or Mini Pill?

We supply both types through the NHS, delivered to you by post. Your pharmacist will help you decide. Compare them side by side in our guide.

Combined pill (COC)

Ages 16 to 49

Contains oestrogen and progestogen
Taken daily for 21 days, then 7-day break
Over 99% effective when taken correctly
Can help with heavy periods, PMS and acne

Not usually suitable if you have several risk factors for heart disease or stroke (such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity), migraine with aura, or a BMI of 35 or above. Read our combined pill guide.

Mini pill (POP)

Ages 16 to 54

Contains just one hormone (progestogen)
Taken every day without a break
Modern versions have a 12-hour dosing window
Suitable for a broader range of people

Works for those who smoke and are over 35, or who have raised blood pressure. Read our mini pill guide.

Same Standard of Care as Your GP

Contraception specialist pharmacists, with more than 12,000 pill supplies between them, following NHS guidelines. A thorough clinical review using UKMEC criteria, the same your GP uses.

Every supply reviewed by a pharmacist

No pill is sent without a pharmacist personally reviewing your medical history and suitability.

NHS clinical guidelines

We follow the same UKMEC guidelines your GP uses, operating under a Patient Group Direction (PGD).

Your data stays private

Handled in line with NHS data protection standards and UK GDPR. We only share with your GP if you choose.

What happens on the call

Medical history. Past and current health conditions, including blood clots, stroke, heart disease or liver problems.
Blood pressure, height & weight. For the combined pill. Most pharmacies offer free BP checks.
Lifestyle & medication check. Migraine with aura, smoking over 35, and certain medications can affect which pill suits you.
Your questions, answered. Side effects, switching brands, interactions. No rushing, no judgement.

Every consultation follows NHS Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and UKMEC criteria.

Taken correctly, both the combined pill and the mini pill are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (around 91% with typical use), according to the NHS. Our pharmacists are specially trained in contraception and dedicated to this service, so the advice you get is tailored to you.

Not sure which pill is right for you? Read our guide. Starting the pill for the first time? Here's what to expect. Wondering about side effects? Learn more.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service really free?: Your consultation and contraception are fully funded by the NHS. We also deliver free of charge. The delivery cost is on us. No hidden charges, no card details needed. Read more in our guide: Is the contraceptive pill free?
Has the pharmacy changed?: We have moved from Orford Pharmacy to Pharmacy Services Direct, operated by Imaan Ltd. You will still receive the same NHS service, from the same clinical team, with the same standard of care. Only the pharmacy name has changed.
Do I need a prescription from my GP?: No. Our pharmacists supply the contraceptive pill directly under a Patient Group Direction (PGD), an NHS legal framework that allows pharmacists to provide specific medications without a GP prescription.
How long does delivery take?: Your medication is posted the same day if your appointment is early enough, otherwise the following morning. Most deliveries arrive within 1 to 3 working days anywhere in the UK in plain, unmarked packaging.
How long does the consultation take?: For repeat supplies, around 5 minutes. If you're starting or switching, it may take a little longer as the pharmacist talks through your options and carries out a full assessment.
Who is eligible?: With Contraception Direct, you need to be aged 16 or over with a UK address. Combined pill: ages 16 to 49. Mini pill: ages 16 to 54. A recent blood pressure reading is required for the combined pill.
What if I miss the consultation call?: We'll try to reach you two more times within your chosen slot. If we can't get through, email us to rebook. No penalty or extra charge.
Can I switch to a different pill?: Yes. Your pharmacist can discuss alternatives during your consultation if you're experiencing side effects or your circumstances have changed.
Will my GP be told?: Only if you want them to be. We can send a notification to your GP, but it's entirely optional.
What if I'm not suitable for the pill?: Our pharmacist will explain why and suggest the right next step: your GP, a different method, or a local sexual health clinic.
Is this available across the UK?: Yes. We deliver to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Do I need to have used the pill before?: No. This service covers both new starters and repeat supplies. First-time users get a full initiation assessment.
How often do I need a review?: An annual review is recommended. Your pharmacist will let you know when it's due.

View all FAQs

Ready to Get Your Pill Delivered?

Book a phone consultation and get free, discreet delivery. No GP, no prescription, no cost. Done in under 10 minutes.

Start now

Confidential
NHS Funded
Discreet Packaging
Phone Consultation