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an image of a pregnancy test, contraceptive tablets and a calendar to show how to take emergency contraception

How to Take Emergency Contraception

If you’re looking into emergency contraception, try not to worry – you’re taking a responsible step to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Emergency contraception is a safe and effective medication that’s here to help when you need it.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception, commonly known as the morning after pill, works by temporarily delaying your ovaries from releasing an egg, preventing a pregnancy before it begins. It’s a backup method of contraception that prevents the pregnancy from happening in the first place.

Despite its name, you actually have up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex to take emergency contraception, and it prevents up to 95% of pregnancies when taken in this time frame. While you do have this window of time, the medication works best when taken as soon as possible. Many people feel anxious about seeking emergency contraception, but whatever your situation, you can access it quickly and discreetly. 

When would I need the morning after pill?

There are several situations where you might need emergency contraception. The most common reasons include:

  • If your regular contraception has failed, for example, if you’ve missed your usual contraceptive pills, a condom broke or came off during sex, or your contraceptive patch fell off.
  • If you weren’t able to use contraception during sex, or if you had unprotected sex. This might include situations where you didn’t have access to your usual contraception or weren’t able to use it.
  • If you’re concerned about whether your usual contraception worked properly, including when you’ve been ill while on the contraceptive pill or if you need to take other medications that might affect your contraception.

Remember, using emergency contraception is always better than taking risks with an unplanned pregnancy. Doctors and pharmacists understand these situations happen and are here to support you, not judge.

Types of Emergency Contraception 

There are two main types of emergency contraception available in the UK:

Levonelle

Levonorgestrel, or brand name Levonelle, is effective when taken within 72 hours (within 3 days) of unprotected sex and is often the first choice for emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, and you can get it from pharmacies, NHS sexual health clinics, and some GP surgeries.

ellaOne

Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can be taken up to 120 hours (within 5 days) after unprotected sex and is slightly more effective than Levonelle. However, you shouldn’t take ellaOne if you’re currently using hormonal contraception or have used it in the last 7 days. Like Levonelle, it’s available from pharmacies and GPs.

How to Take the Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Step 1: Get Your Emergency Contraception

You can visit your local pharmacy in person or, if you prefer to be more discreet, use an online pharmacy service like ours at Click2Pharmacy. Your pharmacist will ask you a few simple health questions to ensure the medication is safe for you, and you can choose between Levonelle and ellaOne based on your needs. Getting your emergency contraception quickly is important, as it works best when taken as soon as possible.

Step 2: Before Taking Your Pill

Make sure to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. Double check you’re within the time limit – this is 72 hours for Levonelle or 120 hours for ellaOne. It’s best to have some food or a snack ready to take with your pill and keep water nearby for taking your tablet.

Step 3: Taking Your Pill

Take one tablet with a glass of water. Make a note of the exact time you take it and try to keep the pill down by sitting upright and staying calm.

Step 4: If You’re Sick

Set a timer for 2 hours if you’ve taken Levonelle or 3 hours if you’ve taken ellaOne. If you’re sick before your timer ends, you’ll need to contact your pharmacist straight away. You will need another dose as the medication will not have been properly absorbed.

Step 5: After Taking Your Pill

You’ll need to use condoms during sex until your next period starts. If you’re on regular contraception, wait 5 days before restarting if you took ellaOne, or you can restart the next day if you took Levonelle. Make sure to mark your calendar to track when your period is due.

Step 6: Watch For Your Period

Your period should arrive within 7 days of when it’s normally due. If it’s more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test to be sure. Remember that your period might be slightly different from usual – this is normal and nothing to worry about.

Get Emergency Contraception with Click2Pharmacy 

Getting emergency contraception quickly and discreetly is easy with our online Emergency Contraception Clinic. You can access this service from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.

Our online consultation process is straightforward and confidential. Simply fill out our health questionnaire, and one of our experienced pharmacists will review your answers to make sure the method of emergency contraception is suitable for you. If approved, your medication will be delivered to your home quickly and discreetly.

Need emergency contraception now? Start your online consultation today. Our pharmacists are here to help you access this medication quickly, safely, and without judgment.

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