If you have recently got caught out without protection, you don’t need to worry. We offer discrete advice and emergency contraception at Saydon Pharmacy. Keep reading to find out more about emergency contraception in Birmingham and how you can use it.
Suppose you experience difficulties accessing or taking birth control measures for about three days for whatever reason. In that case, emergency contraception (EC) can save the day by preventing the release and fertilisation of the egg.
Emergency contraception specifically helps you avoid pregnancy after an episode of unprotected sex or if your preferred contraception, like a condom, has failed.
It usually comes in 2 types:
– Emergency contraceptive pill – ellaOne (the “morning-after” pill) or Levonelle
– Intrauterine device (IUD or coil)
How does emergency contraception in Birmingham work?
Levonelle
Levonelle contains an artificial (synthetic) version of the hormone progesterone released by the ovaries, known as levonorgestrel. It’s known to work by stopping or delaying ovulation (releasing an egg).
For Levonelle to prevent pregnancy, you have to take it within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. It doesn’t interfere with your usual contraception method.
ellaOne
ellaOne also works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. It contains ulipristal acetate, which interferes with the normal functioning of progesterone. For ellaOne to be effective, you should take it within 5 days (120 hours) following unprotected sex.
Can Levonelle or ellaOne protect you from future pregnancy?
After taking them, neither Levonelle nor ellaOne can protect you from future pregnancy. You can still get pregnant if you have sex at any other time after taking the pill.
They are meant for emergency purposes and not as a regular method of contraception. However, emergency contraception can be used more than once in a menstrual cycle if need be.
Learn more about the morning-after pill on our previous blog post here:
Who can use emergency contraception in Birmingham?
Almost every woman can use the emergency contraceptive pill, including those who can’t use hormonal contraception like a contraceptive patch and combined pill. It can also be used by girls under the age of 16.
However, you should not use the emergency contraceptive pill if you are allergic to any of its contents, use medications that may react with it, or are severely asthmatic.
ellaOne should not be used if you are taking certain medicines that are known to hinder its effectiveness. Talk to Saydon Pharmacy today about any medicines you are currently taking so that you can get appropriate advice on the emergency contraception that is safe for you.
Side effects of using the emergency pill
The emergency pill comes with no known severe or long-term side effects. The side effects include:
– Tummy pain
– Headaches
– Interference with the timing of your next period.
– Feeling sick. Seek medical attention if you get sick within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne.
Consult with us or your GP if you notice any unusual symptoms that are taking too long to go away or feel like you might be pregnant even after taking the emergency pill.
Get in touch with us for more information or visit our pharmacy for Emergency Contraception today!
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This blog post was written on behalf of Saydon Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.