OVERVIEW:
The Morning After Pill is an emergency form of birth control (contraception) that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex.
It can be taken at any time during the cycle and multiple times in the same cycle.
It is NOT an abortion; it prevents a possible pregnancy as opposed to ending an existing one.
These pills will NOT work if you are already pregnant.
There are two main products available. EllaOne (Ulipristal) and Levonelle (Levonorgestrel).
EllaOne is effective for up to 5 days (120 hours) after the unprotected sex.
Levonelle is effective for up to 3 days (72 hours) after. However it decreases significantly in effectiveness over time.
Both pills are most effective if taken within 24 hours of the event.
VERY IMPORTANT CAUTION:
IF VOMIT WITHIN 4 HOURS OF TAKING, THE PILL MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE AND YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE ANOTHER ONE
EllaOne = 5 day pill. Effectiveness remains high over time. Is still best taken within the first 24h after sex.
Levonorgestrel = 3 day pill. Effectiveness decreases significantly over time
- 95% effective within [1] 24 hours of unprotected sex.
- 85% effective if you take it within 2 days .
- 58% effective after 3 days
COULD YOU ALREADY BE PREGNANT?
Signs you could already be pregnant include:
- Period delayed by more than 5 days
- Unprotected sex was more than 72 hours ago and since your last period.
- Last period unusually light or heavy.
If you think you have already ovulated (released an egg).
- We can refer you to a specialist who can fit in a device called an IUD (coil) that is effective for up to 5 days after the earliest ovulation.
- It is 99.9% effective [2]
If you wish to confirm whether or not you are pregnant, you can take a pregnancy test. Includes ones with the weeks indicator.
SOURCES:
[1] https://www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health/improving-your-sexual-health/contraception/emergency
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/
Shobz Pharmacy 