Availability, accessibility and choice are vital aspects of making contraception effective, as everyone has different needs when it comes to reproductive health and specialist pharmacies are a key part of meeting them.
Outside of the male condom, which remains the most common form of contraception for its ability to protect not only from pregnancy but sexually transmitted infections, the combined contraceptive pill is the most commonly used.
It is over 99 per cent effective when used as directed, and when used in combination with condoms, implants, IUDs or other complementary forms of contraception, the Pill is even more effective.
However, in the rare case of another form of contraception failing, such as a condom breaking, missing a pill or having unprotected sex entirely, there are emergency contraceptive options available from pharmacies that offer it, as well as some walk-in centres, GP surgeries and sexual health clinics.
What makes it different from the conventional pill? How can you access it, and what can you expect?
How Does The Emergency Pill Work?
There are two main types of emergency contraception, but the most popular and widely accessible is the emergency contraceptive pill, which can stop a pregnancy within the first few days of conception.
There are two main types of emergency pill offered by pharmacies in the UK; there are progestin-only pills such as Levonelle (levonorgestrel), which contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, and works by preventing ovulation.
Progestin is one of the two parts of the combined pill alongside oestrogen, and in some cases can be used as a regular contraception, although when used regularly it needs to be taken at the same time every day.
Alternatively, there are antiprogestin medications such as ellaOne (ulipristal acetate), which work in the opposite way by preventing the mechanism of progestins, a hormone vital for preparing the uterus for the implantation of a fertilised egg.
Both work in different ways, but within the first three days of potential pregnancy, both are taken as a single dose within a few days of sex.
How Can You Access It?
Pharmacies that specialise in sexual health will have the emergency pill available, and a pharmacist can discuss with you if it is the right choice.
As time will determine how effective it is, the aim is to have as few barriers to access as possible, and a doctor, nurse or pharmacist in a centre that offers the emergency pill will help you get access to it, let you know what to expect and if there are any considerations to keep in mind.
Is It Always Suitable?
The emergency pill is suitable for most people and can be used even if you cannot use the combined pill.
There are some exceptions to this. If you take steroid medication, most commonly used for asthma, are currently breastfeeding, or are taking medicine for epilepsy, tuberculosis or HIV, you should let the pharmacist or doctor know to ensure that there is no interference.
As well as this, if you take St John’s wort, a herbal remedy often marketed as an antidepressant, there can be some serious side effects so it is essential to ask for advice.
What Can You Expect?
In most cases, taking the single pill will have none or very few side effects, with the most common of these being cramps, headaches and nausea.
The latter is only an issue if you are actually sick within two hours of taking the pill, however, as it might mean that you have to take another dose to ensure it has entered your system.
What Are The Alternatives?
A pharmacist will let you know if the emergency pill is the best option for you, but if it is not, due to taking medication that will interfere with it or issues with the medication involved, there is an alternative emergency contraceptive option.
Known as an intrauterine device, IUD or copper coil, this helps stop pregnancy by releasing copper into the womb and is over 99 per cent effective.
It is safe to use with other medicines as the IUD does not affect them nor is affected by them, and it can be used whilst breastfeeding.
Similarly to the emergency pill, the IUD needs to be fitted within five days of having unprotected sex and is typically only available at sexual health clinics, at some GP surgeries and some other related contraception services based on availability.
It can, however, also be used as a regular contraception once it is fitted and works for between five and ten years, depending on the type.