About Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, also known as morning after pill, is available if you have had unprotected sex, or your usual method of contraception has failed and you are worried about falling pregnant.
Morning After Pill Options
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pill available on prescription in the UK.
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) Morning After Pill
Levonelle (brand name of Levonorgestrel) is a pill that mimics the hormone progesterone. It works by delaying or stopping the release of an egg (ovulation) and can prevent sperm from fertilising an egg that has already been released.
You should take Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) as soon as you can take it after unprotected sex. However, you can take it up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Levonelle will not work if you are already pregnant.
Common Levonelle Side Effects
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Irregular bleeding until your next period
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Lower abdominal pain
ellaOne Morning After Pill
ellaOne Morning After Pill
ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which works similarly to levonorgestrel by preventing or delaying ovulation.
The tablet is most effective when you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. However, it can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex
ellaOne can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle and more than once during your menstrual cycle. However, it will not work if you are already pregnant.
If taking regular oral contraception, ellaOne may reduce its effectiveness, so a barrier method (such as condoms) is recommended until your next period
Common Side Effects of ellaOne
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Changes in mood
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Irregular bleeding
- Breast tenderness
Changes To Your Next Period
Both Levonelle and ellaOne may affect your next period. You may experience:
- Getting your period earlier or later than normal
- Your period may be shorter or lighter than normal- in this case, it may be recommended to take a pregnancy test as this can be a sign of pregnancy
Further information on emergency contraception can be found on the NHS website.
