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Morning after pill.
The emergency morning after pill can help you remove your worry about being pregnant if you have had unprotected sex.
You are also allowed to order the morning after pill for future use, so you can have it by the side just in case.
Emergency contraception options.
Two of the most popular emergency contraceptive pills are ellaOne and levonorgestrel (generic Levonelle).
Buy the morning after pill from our NHS-registered UK online pharmacy, OnlineChemist.
Navigating emergency contraception: Comprehensive guide to the morning-after pill.
In the realm of sexual health, being prepared is key. But what happens when plans go awry? That’s where emergency contraception steps in. In the UK, emergency contraception, commonly known as the morning-after pill, offers a vital safety net for those unforeseen moments. Whether it’s a condom mishap or a forgotten pill, knowing your options can provide peace of mind. Let’s delve into the essentials of emergency contraception, addressing its effectiveness, mechanism, impact on the menstrual cycle, administration, and potential side effects.
Effectiveness of morning-after pill:
One of the foremost concerns regarding the morning-after pill is its efficacy. Fortunately, when taken as directed, emergency contraception can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Emergency contraception comes in two main types: those containing levonorgestrel and those containing ulipristal acetate. The effectiveness varies depending on the type of pill and how soon it’s taken after unprotected intercourse.
Levonorgestrel-based pills, such as Plan B, are most effective when taken within 72 hours, with efficacy decreasing over time. On the other hand, ulipristal acetate, found in EllaOne, extends the window up to 120 hours post-intercourse.
Remember, the sooner you take it, the better it works.
Levonelle reliability:
Within 24hrs of UPSI – 95%
24-48hrs UPSI – 85%
48 – 72hrs UPSI – 58%
ellaOne reliability:
Is licenced up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
How emergency contraception works:
Understanding the mechanism behind emergency contraception can alleviate concerns. Most morning-after pills work by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. By altering hormonal levels, these pills create an environment less conducive to fertilization. Additionally, they may thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. Importantly, emergency contraception does not terminate an established pregnancy; it prevents pregnancy from occurring.
Impact on Menstrual Cycle:
Concerns about the morning-after pill altering menstrual patterns are common. While some women experience changes in their next cycle, such as earlier or later menstruation or heavier or lighter bleeding, these alterations are generally temporary. It’s crucial to note that irregularities in the menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception do not necessarily indicate pregnancy. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, consulting a healthcare provider can provide reassurance.
How to take morning after pill?
Administering the morning-after pill correctly is essential for optimal effectiveness. Most formulations come in a single dose, taken orally with water. Follow the instructions provided in the packaging carefully. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, seek advice from a healthcare professional, as you may need to take another dose. Remember, the morning-after pill is not a regular form of contraception; it should be reserved for emergencies.
Side-effects of emergency contraceptive pill:
Like any medication, the morning-after pill can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and breast tenderness. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. If side effects persist or worsen, or if you develop severe abdominal pain or unusual bleeding, seek medical attention promptly.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
Pharmacies:
Most pharmacies in the UK offer emergency contraception without the need for a prescription. Pharmacists are trained to provide guidance and support, ensuring you receive the appropriate type of emergency contraception based on your individual circumstances.
Online Pharmacies:
Some online pharmacies in the UK offer emergency contraception for discreet and convenient access. However, it’s essential to ensure that you choose a reputable and regulated online pharmacy to ensure the quality and safety of the medication.
Sexual Health Clinics:
NHS sexual health clinics provide comprehensive sexual health services, including emergency contraception. You can visit a sexual health clinic for confidential advice, support, and access to emergency contraception.
General Practitioners (GPs):
You can also consult your GP for emergency contraception. They can provide guidance, prescribe emergency contraception if needed, and address any concerns you may have about sexual health.
NHS Walk-in Centres:
NHS walk-in centres offer accessible healthcare services without the need for an appointment. You can visit a walk-in centre for advice and access to emergency contraception.
Family Planning Clinics:
Family planning clinics provide a range of contraceptive services, including emergency contraception. You can make an appointment at a family planning clinic for confidential advice and support regarding your contraceptive needs.
Regardless of where you choose to obtain emergency contraception, it’s essential to seek advice promptly, ideally within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, for optimal effectiveness.
At Online Chemist, we understand that unexpected situations can arise, and access to emergency contraception is crucial. That’s why we’re here to provide a discreet and convenient solution for individuals seeking the morning-after pill.
Our Services:
1. Face-to-Face and Online Consultations: Whether you prefer a face-to-face consultation or the convenience of online ordering, we’ve got you covered. Simply complete our online form, and our qualified healthcare professionals will review your information and provide personalized guidance. Your privacy and confidentiality are our top priorities, and we ensure that all consultations and orders are handled discreetly and securely.
2. Discreet and Secure Ordering: Ordering emergency contraception should be stress-free and discreet. With Online Chemist, you can rest assured that your order will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. Our packaging is plain and discreet, with no indication of the contents inside, ensuring complete privacy.
3. Free NHS Emergency Contraception: We believe that everyone should have access to essential healthcare services, including emergency contraception. That’s why we offer free NHS emergency contraception for local residents who meet the eligibility criteria. Simply provide proof of eligibility, and we’ll ensure that you receive the care you need at no cost.
How It Works:
- Complete the Online Form: Provide us with your details and answer a few simple questions about your health and situation.
- Consultation: Our healthcare professionals will review your information and provide personalized guidance.
- Order Discreetly: Once approved, your order will be processed quickly and discreetly, with plain packaging for maximum privacy.
- Receive Your Medication: Your emergency contraception will be delivered directly to your doorstep, ready for use whenever you need it.
Why Choose Online Chemist?
- Convenience: Access emergency contraception from the comfort of your own home, with no need to visit a pharmacy or clinic.
- Confidentiality: We prioritize your privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that your information is kept secure and your orders are handled discreetly.
- Expert Guidance: Our team of qualified healthcare professionals is here to provide expert guidance and support, ensuring that you receive the care you need.
Get Started Today:
Don’t let unexpected situations catch you off guard. Take control of your reproductive health with Online Chemist. Whether you need emergency contraception or free NHS services, we’re here to help. Simply complete our online form to get started, and let us take care of the rest.
Obesity and Morning-after Pill
When it comes to emergency contraception, everyone deserves access to accurate information and options tailored to their individual needs. If you’re navigating emergency contraception and you’re obese, understanding how your weight might impact its effectiveness is crucial. Let’s explore what you need to know about emergency contraception if you’re obese, including its effectiveness, considerations for usage, and available options.
Effectiveness in Obese Individuals:
Some studies have indicated that levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception may be less effective in individuals with higher body weight or obesity. However, the clinical significance of this potential decrease in efficacy remains a topic of debate among experts. While there is evidence to suggest that the concentration of levonorgestrel in the bloodstream may be lower in individuals with obesity, it’s important to note that emergency contraception still offers a viable option for preventing unintended pregnancy, regardless of body weight.
Ulipristal Acetate as an Alternative:
For individuals concerned about the efficacy of levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception due to obesity, ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) may offer an alternative option. Ulipristal acetate has shown consistent efficacy across a range of body weights and is not significantly affected by obesity-related factors. Therefore, it may be a suitable choice for individuals with obesity seeking emergency contraception.
Consultation with Healthcare Provider:
Regardless of body weight, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended when considering emergency contraception. A healthcare provider can offer personalised guidance based on individual circumstances, including weight, medical history, and contraceptive needs. They can also address any concerns or questions regarding the efficacy and suitability of emergency contraception, providing reassurance and support.
Morning-After Pill and Breastfeeding:
Emergency contraception is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding, as the hormones in the pill are unlikely to pass into breast milk in significant amounts. However, if you have concerns about using emergency contraception while breastfeeding, or if you’re unsure about its suitability for your individual situation, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized advice and guidance.
Morning-After Pill and Alcohol:
Consuming alcohol does not impact the effectiveness of emergency contraception. However, excessive alcohol consumption may impair judgment and decision-making, potentially leading to increased risk of unprotected intercourse and the need for emergency contraception. It’s important to use emergency contraception responsibly and to avoid relying on it as a regular form of contraception.
Morning-After Pill and Ovulation:
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally before ovulation occurs. However, it can still be effective if taken after ovulation, as it may prevent fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg. It’s essential to remember that emergency contraception does not terminate an established pregnancy.
Morning-After Pill and Menstrual Periods:
Emergency contraception may temporarily affect menstrual patterns, potentially causing earlier or later menstruation or changes in flow. These alterations are generally temporary and should not be cause for concern. If you experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception, consulting a healthcare provider can provide reassurance and guidance.
Morning-After Pill and Antibiotics:
There is limited evidence to suggest that certain antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including some forms of emergency contraception. While the risk of decreased efficacy is generally considered low, it’s essential to use additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms, during antibiotic treatment and for a short period afterward. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended if you have concerns about antibiotic use and emergency contraception.
FAQs.
The Morning After Pill, also known as ‘Emergency Contraception’ or ‘Plan B, is a pill taken after sex to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use this when you have unprotected sex, have forgotten to take your usual contraception, or if your contraception fails.
Depending on the type of pill chosen, you can take the Morning After Pill up to 5 days after unprotected sex. However, the earlier it is taken, the better the chances of avoiding pregnancy. The two main types of Morning After Pill are ellaOne and Levonelle. Both are only effective when taken before ovulation happens.
The Morning After Pill should not be used as your usual method of contraception, as it is more risky and expensive when compared to other contraceptives.
The Morning After Pill works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). This stops the egg from being fertilised or from implanting. ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which delays or stops ovulation (the release of an egg). It lasts for as long as 5 days, allowing all the sperm to die off and preventing pregnancy from taking place. ellaOne must be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Levonelle contains a man-made version of the hormone progesterone called levonorgestrel, which also delays or stops ovulation from occurring. Levonelle should be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex.
Both ellaOne and Levonelle are only effective when taken before ovulation has taken place. Levonelle is not as effective at certain points in your cycle, while ellaOne remains effective a little longer into your period.
Levonelle is 95% effective when taken in the first 24 hours. This drops to 85% by the second day and 58% effective by the third day. ellaOne is98% effective and can still be taken for up to 5 days after sex, but you should take it as soon as possible.
Levonelle can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex. ellaOne can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Both only work if taken before ovulation has taken place. Since it can be difficult to tell when ovulation has occurred, it is best to take the Morning After Pill as soon as possible for better chances of preventing pregnancy.
Both ellaOne and Levonelle are taken as a single tablet. There is no limit on the number of times that you can take the Morning After Pill, but if you have already used one type, you may not be able to use the other one. You should not take Levonelle if you have used ellaOne in the last 5 days. You should not take ellaOne if you have used Levonelle in the last 7 days. This is because of potential interactions between both medications.
If you find that you regularly need to use the Morning After Pill more than once in a cycle, you may want to consider another option, like an intrauterine device (IUD). This is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be used as regular contraception going forward. Using regular contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, is more effective for protecting against pregnancy than taking the Morning After Pill.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the emergency contraceptive pill, you will need to take another dose as soon as possible. If you vomit again, it may mean that the Morning After Pill is unsuitable for you. You should visit your GP or a family planning clinic as soon as possible for another type of emergency contraception.
The Morning After Pill can be ordered online through Online Doctor service from OnlineChemist. You just need to complete our quick and easy online questionnaire, and our doctors will review your information and make sure the Morning After Pill you ordered is right for you.
Online Chemist offer free NHS emergency contraceptive pill in-store at Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, NR31 7AH.
If you are not local to us and looking for the Morning After Pill for free, you can get it from:
- the NHS
- sexual health clinics
- genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
- some GP surgeries
- some accident and emergency (A&E) departments
If you are worried about being able to get emergency contraception, you can order it in advance. This can happen if travelling or if you have concerns about your regular contraception failing. You do not need a prescription to order the Morning After Pill. You can consult with our online doctors for more information on your emergency and usual options of contraception.
The Morning After Pill does not cause any serious or long term side effects. It can however cause some mild and passing side effects, mostly dependent on which stage of your menstrual cycle they were taken. The side effects will usually pass without you needing any treatment.
ellaOne side effects can cause:
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- painful periods
- breast tenderness
- vomiting
- headache
- dizziness
- muscle pain
- back pain
- fatigue
Levonelle side effects can cause:
- headaches
- nausea
- vomiting
- lower abdominal pain
- irregular bleeding on your next period
- fatigue
- shortening or lengthening of your next period
When taken early on in your period, Levonelle may cause the cycle to get shorter. It might delay the start of your next period or have no effect if taken later on in the cycle. Most women will have their period on time.
The Morning After Pill may also cause unusual bleeding and you may have some spotting. This may continue until your next period. There is no cause for concern unless the bleeding is excessive or does not stop. If your period is more than 5 days late then you should consult a doctor.
HOW IT WORKS
Three easy steps for your private treatment ...
STEP 01
Complete consultation questionnaire
Complete consultation for your selected condition and order your medication.
Please answer the health questionnaire honestly, this will ensure that the medication you are requesting is right for you.
STEP 02
Prescriber approves
The UK registered prescriber will review your questionnaire and approve your order. In some cases, the prescriber may specify a preferred treatment.
STEP 03
Delivered to your door
Your treatment will be sent directly from our NHS online pharmacy, Online Chemist based in Norfolk.
General Pharmaceutical Council's advice for online treatment
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and other UK health organisations have produced a handy guide to help people going online for medicines or treatment.
Read the guideline here
If you have a medical emergency do not use this service.
Please contact your own GP, visit Accident and Emergency or call 999 or 111 immediately.
