If you’ve had unprotected sex and you have no wish to get pregnant then emergency contraception can be a godsend! These contraceptive pills, commonly referred to as the “morning after” pill, allow you to protect yourself after intercourse to help you avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Having said that, there’s a limit on the amount of time you can wait before you take the pills. So to ensure the medication is as effective as possible, it pays to know how long these emergency contraceptives are effective for.
Here, we’ll answer that question, as well as covering some of the other basic facts about emergency contraception that every woman would benefit from knowing.
Types Of Emergency Contraception
The amount of time you have before the contraceptive is no longer effective depends on the type you take.
At Newdays Pharmacy, we offer two types of morning after pill – Levonelle and EllaOne. The type you choose will determine how long you have before the medication is ineffective.
Levonelle:
Levonelle is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancies. It works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg, thus preventing fertilisation.
This birth control medication should be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex in order to be successful at preventing pregnancy. Keep in mind that the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be.
You should take one pill as soon as possible with water. If you vomit or have diarrhoea within two hours of taking the pill, there’s a chance it won’t be absorbed properly and its efficacy could well be compromised. In this situation, get in touch with a healthcare professional for further advice.
EllaOne:
The other option you have is EllaOne, which is also a form of birth control medication that can be taken following unprotected sex to prevent pregnancies.
Like Levonelle, this medication works by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs so that fertilisation cannot take place.
One pill should be taken orally with water within 120 hours (five days) of having unprotected sex to ensure it’s effective.
Again, the sooner this medication is taken, the greater the chances of success will be. If you choose to wait for five days, it’s possible that it will be entirely ineffective.
Keep in mind that neither of these medications is 100 percent effective. As mentioned, the sooner both are taken the better, but even if the medication is administered within just a few hours, there’s still a chance it won’t work.
How Do Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraceptives like Levonelle or EllaOne help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, which is crucial for fertilisation.
Levonelle contains an ingredient called levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that mimics progesterone, while EllaOne contains ulipristal acetate. Both of these hormones interfere with the normal menstrual cycle, making it difficult for sperm to come into contact with the egg.
Additionally, they can alter the lining of the uterus, hindering the implantation of a fertilised egg.
It’s important to know these aren’t suitable for regular contraception. Moreover, you should always consult a healthcare professional for advice that’s tailored to your individual circumstances.
How Effective Are Emergency Contraceptives?
Emergency contraceptives such as Levonelle or EllaOne are generally safe when used safely and sensibly. These medications are designed for occasional use and are not meant to replace regular contraception methods. Moreover, overusing them is not recommended, as their effectiveness can diminish over time if used frequently.
That’s because regular and repeated use may disrupt the menstrual cycle, while hormonal changes might lead to irregular periods.
Additionally, relying on emergency contraceptives for routine contraception is not advisable, as they are less effective than dedicated contraceptive methods, so by relying on them too heavily, this makes it more likely that you’ll get pregnant.
Although emergency contraceptives can prevent you from getting pregnant, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. While they provide a valuable option for preventing unintended pregnancies, regular and consistent use of a chosen contraceptive method is essential for long-term reproductive health.
If you’re unsure about anything then seek advice from a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate contraceptive strategy for your specific needs and circumstances.
Can Anything Make It Less Effective?
The answer to this question is yes, it can. Certain drugs and substances can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives like Levonelle or EllaOne.
These include certain anticonvulsants and tuberculosis medications, which may reduce the contraceptive’s efficacy. Additionally, herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort may also have a similar effect.
This is why it’s always important to inform a healthcare professional about any medications or substances being used to ensure appropriate advice on the timing and effectiveness of any emergency contraceptives.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Although some people may experience side effects, these are usually mild and temporary, such as nausea, headache or changes in menstrual flow. These side effects typically go away on their own, although vomiting a short time after taking the medication may affect its effectiveness.
Although side effects are usually mild, like any medication, emergency contraception may not be suitable for everyone and it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially those with certain health conditions or anyone taking specific medications.
So hopefully that covers everything you need to know about emergency contraceptives. As you can see, while these can be effective medications in helping you avoid unwanted pregnancies, they should be used as a last resort and not relied upon as they come with some drawbacks.
We offer both medications mentioned in this guide. If you’re looking for an emergency contraception pharmacy, get in touch with us or just pop into one of our branches and we’ll advise on the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the type of emergency contraception. Levonelle is licensed for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, while ellaOne can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) afterwards. The copper IUD can also be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex in certain circumstances and is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
Yes. Emergency contraceptive pills are generally more effective the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex. If you think you may need emergency contraception, seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Yes. Community pharmacies can supply emergency contraceptive pills following a confidential consultation to assess which option is most appropriate. Depending on your circumstances and local NHS services, emergency contraception may be available free of charge or as a private service.