No matter how careful a woman may be, she might find herself in a situation where she needs emergency contraception. Maybe her regular method of contraception has failed or she’s had unprotected sex. Whatever the reason, she is at risk of an unwanted pregnancy. 

If this happens to you, you can take a form of emergency contraception commonly known as “the morning-after pill.” In the UK, the two most common emergency contraception pills are EllaOne and Levonelle.

Should I Use EllaOne or Levonelle?

When comparing ellaOne and Levonelle, the main difference is how long they are effective. Whichever one you choose will depend on which one suits your situation.  

ellaOne is considered an extremely effective morning-after pill. It also provides users with the longest window of time to take it to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. When taken within 5 days (or 120 hours) of unprotected sex, EllaOne can be up to 95% effective. For maximum effectiveness, you should try to take it as soon as possible.

EllaOne can only be taken once per menstrual cycle and it can affect birth control pills if you take them. If you don’t want to become pregnant, you should use additional contraception like condoms until after your next menstrual cycle.

Levonelle, also known as Levonorgestrel, is another common emergency contraceptive available in the UK. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel which delays ovulation from occurring. For it to prevent unwanted pregnancy, it needs to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex. Its effectiveness goes down the more time that passes.

If Levonelle is taken within 24 hours it is up to 95% effective, within 48 hours it’s up to 85% effective, and within 72 hours it’s up to 58% effective.

Unlike EllaOne, you can take Levonelle more than once per menstrual cycle if you need to and it shouldn’t impact any pill-based contraception you may be taking.

Emergency Contraception FAQs

• What If I’m Already Pregnant?

Taking the morning-after pill won’t stop an already active pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, you shouldn’t take emergency contraception.

• Does It Work After Ovulation?

The morning after pill is designed to delay ovulation so if ovulation is already occurring, emergency contraception won’t be effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Can I Take Extra Pills for More Protection?

Taking more than the prescribed dose of emergency contraception, or combining emergency contraception, will not improve your odds of stopping pregnancy. Exceeding the recommended dose could worsen any side effects and combining different types of morning-after pills can reduce their efficacy.

• Are There Any Side Effects?

Common short-term side effects include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headache, cramps, irregular bleeding, and breast tenderness.

• Is It Safe To Take Emergency Contraception More Than Once?

There shouldn’t be any impact on your overall health if you use emergency contraception more than once. However, if you find yourself having to take the morning-after pill on a regular basis you should explore other forms of birth control like an IUD or the combined pill.

• Will My Fertility Be Affected Long-Term?

If you plan to one day become pregnant, don’t worry: emergency contraception won’t impact your fertility.

If you need the morning after pill treatment, Pharmacy Planet has you covered. Visit our website to buy levonorgestrel tablets and the alone morning after pill online in the UK.