Emergency Contraception is a measure taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your means of contraception has proven ineffective. Taking the morning-after pill is more effective if taken sooner rather than later. Depending on the pill taken, you should aim to consume the pill within 3 or 5 days of unprotected sex.
Why should you take emergency contraception or the morning after the pill?
Emergency contraception exists to protect you from unwanted pregnancy. It’s important to note that it’s not always effective. The ineffectiveness depends on when you take the morning-after pill.
You can take the pill before or after sex. There are circumstances where you can get hold of emergency contraception before having unprotected sex. According to the NHS, you get hold of emergency contraception in advance if:
- You’re worried about your contraceptive method failing
- If you’re going on holiday
- You can’t get hold of emergency contraception easily
When should you take the emergency contraception pill?
Depending on the pill you take, you need to take it within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected sex. Ideally, if you’re concerned, you should take the pill on the same day or within 24 hours after having unprotected sex or if the condom you were using came off or broke in the process.
There are two types of emergency contraception pills (morning-after pills) you can take.
- Levonelle
- ellaOne
Levonelle
Taking Levonelle should either postpone or stop the release of the egg. In other words, it prevents ovulation. The NHS recommends that Levonelle be taken three days (72 hours) after having sex to prevent pregnancy. It can also prove to be ineffective if not taken on time.
ellaOne
Just as Levonelle, ellaOne postpones or stops the release of the egg. You should take the pill within five days of having sex to prevent pregnancy.
It’s important to note that taking emergency contraception will not continue to work the next time you have unprotected sex. The pills do not replace other forms of contraception such as condoms, virginal rings or patches. At this point, you should consult your GP or Chemist for different methods of contraception if you choose to continue having unprotected sex. We’ll introduce some here for knowledge purposes, and you can then select which one you’d prefer to use.
Once ellaOne is taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, it is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
How long does it take for the pill to work?
The way to determine if the pills have worked or not is when your period cycle continues as usual. This information can be worrying and overwhelming to hear, especially if you’re already panicking. However, it’s essential to understand that if you’ve taken the pill promptly (within 24 hours), you have no reason to panic.
Can you get pregnant after taking the morning-after pill?
The short answer to the question is yes, BUT only if you continue to have unprotected sex after taking the pill. It works on the instance that you’ve already had unprotected sex and to prevent getting pregnant. If you plan on having unprotected sex, then you should consider other forms of contraception.
How to take your first pill
The morning-after pill should be consumed with a glass of water. It must be taken as soon as you’ve received the pack from your chemist or pharmacy. It is most effective within the 12-24 hour timeline.
Side effects of emergency contraception pills
With most medications, some side effects can occur. The good news is that there are no severe side effects you need to worry about with emergency contraception pills. The NHS website notes that the following side effects can occur if you take the medication.
- headaches
- tummy pain
- changes to your next period – it can be earlier, later or more painful than usual
- feeling or being sick – get medical attention if you’re sick within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, as you’ll need to take another dose or have an IUD fitted
What is an IUD? How does it work?
IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device put into your womb by your doctor or GP. IUD is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that releases copper to prevent the egg from being fertilised. It can be left in the womb for up to five days after having unprotected sex. On another note, an IUD is a perfectly acceptable source of contraception, so it can be left in if you choose to have it and continue to have unprotected sex.
IUD is the most effective measure of contraception. According to the NHS less than 1% of women who use it become pregnant after unprotected sex.
Side effects of IUD
- Pain
- Infection
- Damage to the womb
- The IUD coming out of your womb
- Heavier, more extended or more painful periods if you continue to use it as a regular method of contraception
Where to buy emergency contraception?
You can either walk-in or purchase emergency contraceptives directly from us at Westbury Chemist in Streatham. Using our app, we can have your pill delivered speedily. Alternatively, you’re welcome to pop into Westbury Chemist and pick up a morning-after pill if you’re local to the area.
For other areas to pick up the pill, seek your local pharmacy or chemist, and they’ll be able to help.
Where to get emergency contraception in Streatham for free?
Our neighbouring pharmacy, Jackson Pharmacy, provides free contraception pills for those in a rush and worried. Visit the pharmacy today to collect your free emergency contraception pill.
Contraception of 16-years-olds and under
Westbury Chemist has confidential contraception services; this includes people of 16 years old and younger.
If you require emergency contraception, we will not contact your parents or guardians as long as you, as a minor, understand the information provided and the decisions you’re making by seeking help and taking the pill.
Doctors and nurses will advise that you tell your parents about your pregnancy but will not force you to take any action. For your protection, if we feel that there are risks involved, we will then be entitled to contact your parents or guardian. We’re likely to reach your parents if we think the risk is severe. We’d consult you about this before taking any action.
