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What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception – sometimes called ‘the morning after pill’ “the next day pill” “day after pill” – can prevent pregnancy in most cases if taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. The sooner it’s taken the more effective it’s likely to be so try not to delay!
There are two forms of emergency contraception, the emergency contraceptive (EC) pill (often referred to as the ‘morning after pill’) and the intrauterine device (IUD):
The emergency contraceptive pill Levonorgestrel (LNG)
This type of EC contains a progestogen hormone called Levonorgestrel. Different brands include Levonelle, Levonelle one step or Upostelle.
It is most effective when taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex, but it can be used up to 72 hours after. So it’s important that you get advice on emergency contraception as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
LNG is available free from Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy in Luton. (Terms & Conditions)
The emergency contraceptive pill Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) ellaOne
ellaOne is a tablet containing Ulipristal Acetate, which works by stopping progesterone (a hormone women produce in their ovaries) from working normally and prevents pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation. If you take ellaOne within five days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex, it is almost 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
ellaOne is available to buy at Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy, Luton .
Where can I get Emergency Contraception ( Morning after Pill ) from?
Emergency contraception is available free of charge to young and mature women in Luton at Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy as they are involved in local emergency contraception scheme with Luton Borough Council.
Emergency contraceptive pill - does it always work?
The emergency contraceptive (EC) pill is very effective and it is more effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. Some things which can make the EC pill less effective are:
- If you delay taking the EC pill, for example, the EC pill LNG is most effective when taken within the first 24 hours
- If you vomit within two hours of taking LNG, or within three hours of taking ellaOne
- If you have had unprotected sex at another time, either since your last period or since taking the Emergency Contraception.
Emergency contraceptive pill - are there any side-effects?
There are no serious short or long-term side-effects from using the emergency contraceptive (EC) pill so it’s not at all damaging to your health. Some women may experience some, or none, of these possible side effects:
- Feeling a bit sick, dizzy or tired after taking it
- May get headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal pains
- Vomiting (a small number of women)
- Irregular bleeding patterns
These side-effects aren’t harmful and don’t happen to all women, however if you are concerned about anything seek advice from a doctor or nurse.
I'm worried I've left it too late...
Don’t despair. If you didn’t manage to get emergency contraception within 72 hours of having unprotected sex you should still seek help. Call your GP surgery and they may be able to fit an IUD as an emergency contraceptive method up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
How can Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy help you?
Please note our Emergency Contraception Clinic (morning after pill) provides services to Milton Keynes, Bedford, Hitchin, Barton, Dunstable, Stevenage, Luton, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden Residents.
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