Free Emergency Morning
After Pill
Oral Emergency Contraceptive Options
There are two oral emergency contraception are available:
- Levonorgestrel (brand name Levonelle)
- Ulipristal acetate (brand name Ella One)
Each option differs in duration of effectiveness.
Our clinicians will guide you choose the most effective contraception
The Morning After Pill
Emergency contraception (EC), often called the morning-after pill, is a hormonal medication that lowers the chance of unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom or missed pills.
EC is safe to use and is well-tolerated, however it is time sensitive. The sooner you take the EC tablet after unprotected sex the more effective it is.
Emergency contraceptive medicine mechanism of action is by inhibiting or delaying ovulation, thereby preventing fertilisation of the egg.
- 100% Free Contraception
- Discreet Packaging
- 100% Free Contraception
- Free Delivery
- Registered UK Pharmacy
- Discreet Packaging
- Free Delivery
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen that has been used in emergency contraception or better known as the morning after pill for many years.
- It needs to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sexual intercourse.
- If used up to 24 hours after UPSI it is 95% effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.
- If used between 24 hours and 48 hours after UPSI it is 85% effective.
- If used 48 hours and 72 hours after UPSI it is 54% effective.
Levonorgestrel works by inhibiting or delaying ovulation prior to the luteinising hormone (LH) surge. It is suitable for most individuals, including those who are breastfeeding
Efficacy may be reduced in individuals with elevated body weight (Weight greater than 70kg) or BMI of over 26, will need to take TWO tablets of Levonorgestrel does not interfere with ongoing hormonal contraception.
Common side effects from Levonorgestrel are nausea, headache, fatigue and menstrual irregularities such as earlier or later period, or heavier period.
Ulipristal Acetate (Ella One)
Ulipristal acetate, marketed as Ella One, is a selective progesterone receptor modulator and is the newer of the emergency contraceptive pill although it has been around since 2009.
Ella One can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) post-intercourse with good efficacy throughout the five days. Ella One works by delaying ovulation even after the onset of the Luteinising Hormone (LH) surge.
Ella One is considered more effective than levonorgestrel, throughout the 5 days after UPSI it can be used and particularly in the later stages of the treatment window.
Women who are breastfeeding that prefers Ella One as an EC would need to express their milk for one week and discard. A brief but temporary interruption in breast feeding is the general advice.
Common side effects from the morning after pill Ella One are headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and menstrual disturbances such as earlier or later period, or heavier period.
Any hormonal contraceptives and even levonorgestrel as emergency contraception should be delayed for 5 days after administration of Ella One, as using together use may reduce Ella One’s effectiveness. It would be best to use barrier methods (e.g. condoms) during this 5 day interval.
Which Morning After Pill Option Is Right for You?
The choice between levonorgestrel and Ella One depends on several factors:
- Time since unprotected sex
- Body weight/BMI
- Current or recent use of hormonal contraception
- Breastfeeding status
Our pharmacist can assess your individual situation confidentially and recommend the most appropriate option.
Follow-Up and Safety Advice
- Perform a pregnancy test if menstruation is delayed by more than 5 days
- Seek urgent medical attention if experiencing severe lower abdominal pain, which may indicate ectopic pregnancy
- Repeat the dose if vomiting occurs within 3 hours of administration. Please re-order on Dr Pillmans website if this happens.
Role Within Contraceptive Care
Emergency contraception is intended for occasional use only and should not replace regular contraceptive methods. Ongoing, reliable contraceptive options (such as the pill, implant, or Inter-uterine Device IUD) are more effective for long-term pregnancy prevention.
