Morning After Pill

The morning after pill can be requested if you are in need of emergency contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. To be effective, emergency contraception should be taken within the 5 day window after unprotected sex.

The ‘morning-after’ pill (also known as the emergency contraceptive pill) is a backup form of contraception that can stop the release of an egg if you have recently had unprotected sex or if your current contraception has failed.

All medicines can cause side effects, levonorgestrel and ellaOne are no different. Both treatments share common side effects including:

The morning after pill variants of levonorgestrel and ellaOne are more effective the earlier you take them after sex.

The morning after pill is estimated to offer 98% protection from pregnancy. Levonorgestrel and ellaOne are considered some of the best forms of morning-after pill available today.

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic form of the common hormone progesterone. Levonorgestrel prevents the release of an egg during ovulation by increasing the thickness of the mucus around the cervix, limiting the movement of sperm too.

Despite its name, the morning after pill doesn’t have to be taken the morning after. You should take the medication as soon as possible but the time limit is dependant on the treatment you receive. EllaOne can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex has occurred and levonorgestrel can be used for up to 3 days after unprotected sex.

EllaOne changes how your body reacts to the hormone progesterone, preventing or delaying ovulation to avoid pregnancy.

If your condom has split during sex and contact has been made between you and your partner or you’ve missed a birth control pill, then emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible. Our prescribing service will help you to find the perfect medication for you depending on how long it has been since you had unprotected sex. Treatments available are levonorgestrel and ellaOne.