Emergency contraception is an effective option for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, but it isn't as effective as other methods of contraception and isn't recommended for routine use. Emergency contraception should only be used in an emergency and not used routinely.
There are two types of Emergency Hormonal Contraception.
1.The emergency contraceptive pill - Levonelle or EllaOne (the "morning after" pill)
2. The intrauterine device (IUD or coil)
Both types of morning-after pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. They may also prevent fertilization of an egg that has already been released or inhibit implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
It's important to understand that the morning-after pill is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, preferably within 72 hours (3 days) but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse in the case of Ella One. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy. The IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated, for it to be effective.
Some things to keep in mind about the morning-after pill:
1. It does not provide ongoing contraception: It is a one-time use emergency contraceptive and should not be used as a regular form of birth control.
2. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs): The morning-after pill does not protect against STIs. If there is a risk of STIs, it is important to use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms.
3. It may cause side effects: Common side effects of the morning-after pill include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and changes in menstrual bleeding. These side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days.
4. It may affect menstrual bleeding: morning-after pill can potentially cause changes in your menstrual bleeding. It may cause your period to come earlier or later than expected, or it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding. If your period is significantly delayed or if you experience prolonged or heavy bleeding, it is important to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
5. It is available without a prescription over-the-counter in Ballyduff Pharmacy
6. While the morning-after pill is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. There is still a small chance of becoming pregnant even after taking the morning-after pill correctly.
Remember, the morning-after pill is not suitable as a regular form of contraception and should only be used in emergency situations. If you are sexually active and not using contraception consistently, it is important to consider other long-term contraceptive options to protect yourself against unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraception doesn't cause an abortion.
Side effects of the morning-after pill, which typically last only a few days, might include:
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Breast tenderness
Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Is the emergency contraceptive pill suitable for everyone?
But you may not be able to take the emergency contraceptive pill if you're allergic to anything in it, have severe asthma or take any medicines that may interact with it, such as:
- the herbal medicine St John's Wort
- some medicines used to treat epilepsy, HIV or tuberculosis (TB)
- medicine to make your stomach less acidic, such as omeprazole
- some less commonly used antibiotics (rifampicin and rifabutin)
ellaOne can't be used if you're already taking one of these medicines, as it may not work. Levonelle may still be used, but the dose may need to be increased.
Breastfeeding
Levonelle is safe to take while breastfeeding. Although small amounts of the hormones in the pill may pass into your breast milk, it's not thought to be harmful to your baby.
The safety of ellaOne during breastfeeding isn't yet known. The manufacturer recommends that you don't breastfeed for one week after taking this pill.
How to take the emergency hormonal contraceptive?
Take the emergency contraception pill (ECP) as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the ECP, it is recommended to seek medical advice for a possible second dose or alternative advice.
Use other methods of contraception after taking the ECP as it does not provide contraception for the remainder of your cycle. In fact if ovulation is only delayed, you could well be fertile in the following weeks.
Be aware that there is a small risk of failure and you may still become pregnant.
The ECP does not work if you are already pregnant.
For further information come and speak to our pharmacists at Ballyduff Pharmacy, Phone us on 066 713111