Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Emergency contraception

FAQs

Does emergency contraception disrupt an existing pregnancy?

The morning after pill does not work if a woman is already pregnant. When taken before a woman has ovulated, the morning after pill prevents the release of an egg from the ovary or delay its release by 5 to 7 days. By then, any sperm in the woman's reproductive tract will have died, since sperm can survive there for only about 6 days.

What is the morning-after-pill or Emergency contraceptive pill?

The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception that is able to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular contraception has failed-for example a condom split or after you have missed your regular contraceptive pill.

How and when do I take the morning-after-pill? When should I take the pill after sex?

The emergency contraceptive pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex for it to be most effective. Levonorgestrel should be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex and EllaOne within 5 days. It is a one single dose tablet that should be taken with a glass of water, swallowed whole and not chewed.

How does the morning after pill work?

The morning after pill contains a hormone that helps to prevent or delay ovulation. The hormone makes it harder for the sperm to reach an egg for fertilisation to take place.

Can I use the morning after pill with any other forms of contraception i.e I have forgotten to take my daily pill?

Yes! The emergency pill can be used in cases where your regular form of contraceptive has not worked e.g split condom or forgotten pill. However, ensure to go back to your regular form of contraception after taking the emergency pill dose. The morning after pill should NOT replace your regular form of contraception.

How effective is the morning after pill?

The quicker you take it, the more effectice it is.

ellaOne can be up to 98% effective for up to 120 hours of unprotected sex.

Levonelle is 95% effective up if taken within 24 hours, 85% effective when taken within 48 hours and 58% effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

What are the types of emergency contraception?

There are two types of emergency contraception: (i) the emergency contraceptive pills (Levonorgestrel and EllaOne) (ii) an intrauterine device (IUD or coil)

Will the emergency pill cause me to have an abortion?

The morning after pill contains levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. It works by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. It is not a method of abortion.

Does the morning after pill prevent STIs?

No, only a physical barrier such as condoms will prevent sexually transmitted infections. If you are concerned about being at risk of catching an STI, contact your GP or nearest sexual health clinic.

Can I use the morning after pill regularly?

The morning after pill should not be used as a replacement for any type of regular contraception. It should ONLY be used in cases of an emergency and is recommended to be used once in a menstrual cycle.

Will I have any side effects after taking the morning after pill?

There are no serious or long-term side effects from taking the emergency contraceptive pill as long as it is being used in the recommended way. However, it can cause headaches, stomach pain, changes to your next period-it can be earlier, later or more painful than usual.

What if I’m sick or have diarrhoea after taking the pill?

If you're sick or have diarrhoea within two hours of taking Levonorgestrel and three hours of taking EllaOne, the medicine cannot be guaranteed to work and you may need another dose have an IUD fitted.

Will taking the morning after pill affect my next period?

The morning after pill can make your period a few days earlier or later than usual. Your next period should start within the next month. If, after using emergency contraception, a completely normal period (not lighter, or much more painful, than usual) does not arrive within 5-7 days of when expected, take a pregnancy test.

Can I buy the morning after pill to use for future use?

Yes, both EllaOne and Levonorgestrel can be purchased for future use. Simply select this option when completing the consultation.

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Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception

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ellaOne

30mg

Up to 5 days post intercourse

Levonorgestrel

1.5mg

Up to 3 days post intercourse

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