Morning-After Pill

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What is the morning-after pill?

A morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive which usually works for up to three days (72 hours) after you have unprotected sex. Though it is effective for up to three days after unprotected intercourse, the sooner you take the pill, the better chance you have of preventing pregnancy. Ideally, you should take the morning-after pill within 12 hours to stand the best chance of avoiding conception.

The most common morning-after pill currently prescribed in the UK is called Levonelle One Step. This is often called the post-coital pill (PCP) by doctors. A new emergency contraceptive pill, ellaOne, is also now available, which works in a similar way, but can be used for up to five days after unprotected sex.

How effective is this emergency contraception?

The morning-after pill is at its most effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. Levonelle emergency contraceptive pills prevent 95% of pregnancies if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, 85% after 48 hours and 58% if taken within 72 hours.

ellaOne is thought to be 98% effective in preventing pregnancy; research has shown that only two in every 100 women who take ellaOne become pregnant within five days of intercourse.

When should you use the morning-after pill?

Levonelle and ellaOne can be used by women over the age of 18 who have had unprotected sex, or if their regular contraceptive has failed.

You should only use a morning-after pill once after having unprotected sex, and you can only take a morning-after pill once every menstrual cycle. For the rest of your menstrual cycle, you should continue to use a condom, even if you are already taking a daily contraceptive pill, to absolutely minimise the risk of contraceptive failure.

How does a morning-after pill work?

The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive pill that prevents pregnancy. It does not work if you are already pregnant. It contains a female hormone type called levonorgestrel, which works to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg and alters the lining of your womb so that a fertilised egg cannot embed itself there.

Are there any side effects?

The emergency contraceptive pills that are prescribed today very rarely cause any side effects, although a small number of women taking the morning-after pill may experience physical sickness, headaches, dizziness and cases of irregular bleeding. Research shows only 1 in 60 women are actually physically sick after using emergency contraceptive pills.

If you are sick within three hours of taking the morning-after pill, you should seek another pill from a doctor immediately. This is because its effect will have been lost, and pregnancy will not have been prevented.

Are there any other precautions?

After taking a morning-after pill, your next period may come early or late. If it doesn't occur within a couple of days of the expected time, consult your doctor. You should not use a morning-after pill if you are breastfeeding. Also, if you experience lower tummy pain or abnormal bleeding in the weeks after you take the pill, consult your doctor.

Ordering emergency contraception online

Morning-after pills are only available from HealthExpress as a precautionary treatment. Take your free online consultation to order your pill today and you can receive the medication with overnight delivery. In the consultation you will be asked some routine questions by our doctor about your current health and medical background. This is a strictly confidential process, which allows our doctor to ensure you are suitable to take Levonelle or ellaOne.