What treatments are available?
If you are worried that you may become pregnant after having unprotected sex, or if your contraceptive has failed, there are a number of treatments you can take to prevent conception.
Levonelle and ellaOne are 2 easy to take morning after pills which can prevent pregnancy. Levonelle works for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, while ellaOne works for up to 120 hours. However, both pills are more effective the sooner you take them. An alternative treatment, the intrauterine device (IUD), can be fitted into your womb up to 5 days after sex to prevent pregnancy. This treatment is more complicated to implement, but it will provide long term contraception.
Levonelle
Levonelle is an oral emergency contraceptive that should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 12 hours. It will not be effective if you take Levonelle after 72 hours. Levonelle contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, a synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring female hormone, progesterone. Levonorgestrel tricks the body into thinking that ovulation has taken place, preventing the release of eggs. It also affects the lining at the neck of the womb, to prevent sperm from entering.
You can use Levonelle at any time during your menstrual cycle, unless you are overdue your period. You must not take Levonelle if you suspect you might be pregnant. It’s advised that you use condoms until your next period arrives after taking Levonelle. This is recommended even if you are using continuous contraceptive pills.
ellaOne
ellaOne is an new oral emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken for up to 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Studies have shown that for every 100 women that take ellaOne during this 5-day time period, only 2 will become pregnant. ellaOne has the active ingredient ulipristal acetate, which works in a very similar way to levonorgestrel. However, while levonorgestrel interferes with ovulation in the early stages of the egg's development, ellaOne delays the release of the egg from the ovary.
Although ellaOne is effective for longer, it is still more effective at protecting pregnancy the sooner you take it. ellaOne is currently only available only on prescription. You can request a prescription for ellaOne from HealthExpress after you have completed an online consultation with one of our registered team of doctors. For more information about ellaOne, click here.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
An IUD is a very small device made of copper and plastic that is placed inside the womb to prevent pregnancy. Most IUDs are T shaped and will have either 1 or 2 small threads that hang a short distance into your vagina, which are gently pulled when the device needs to be removed. They prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm from getting into your womb. They also alter the secretions in your cervix and affect you womb lining to prevent an egg from being accepted.
IUDs are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, but you must visit your local family planning clinic to have one fitted. Most GPs and gynaecologists will not have experience of fitting an IUD. A small number of women have experienced discomfort during and after they have had an IUD inserted.
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