Condom split? Missed your pill? Caught up in the moment, Accidents can happen. Whatever the reason emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. There is a lot of information on the morning after pill, on the contrary there is also many misconceptions too. If you are concerned about using emergency contraception, let us consider the facts and help rule out any unproven assumptions.
Here is what you need to know.
What is The Morning After Pill?
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) or ellaOne is a form of emergency contraceptive. They both
boost individual benefits. You need to take the emergency contraceptive pill within 3 days (Levonorgestrel) or 5 days (ellaOne)
of unprotected sex for it to be effective – the sooner you take it, the more effective it’ll be. This form of contraception is to be used for emerge
ncy only and not as a regular contraception.
How does it work?
Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic (man-made) version of the natural hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries. It’s thought to stop or delay the release of an egg (ovulation). It doesn’t interfere with your regular method of contraception.
ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone working normally. This also works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. Both are thought to be 95% effective if taken within their time frames.
What about the side effects
Luckily, there is no serious or long-term side effects of taking emergency contraception, but like all medication there is always the possibility of some. The most common side effects are:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in your period
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
It is important to remember if you are sick within a few hours of taking emergency contraception you must consult a pharmacist or GP and they will advise you if another dose will need be taken. It is common for your next period to be delayed or to see some spotting. If you don’t get a period within 3-4 weeks, it is advisory to take a pregnancy test.
Does Stigma still exist?
Emergency contraception is now easily accessible in bricks and mortar pharmacies, sexual health clinics and online pharmacies. However, it questions the fact why do women still feel so embarrassed for asking for the morning after pill. A study showed that 75% of women admitted to feeling shamed asking for emergency contraception after having unprotected sex.
Sex is perfectly natural and is between two consenting adults. Of course, sometimes you get caught up in the moment or your form of contraception fails. There should not be any reason to feel embarrassed for looking after your own sexual health.
If you don’t want to talk to someone face to face or feel that you will be judged then luckily for you; healthcare has a new era of innovation. This means that now you can access emergency contraception via an online pharmacy. With low online prices all you need to do is fill in a short medical questionnaire, order your medication and your medication will be delivered straight to your door the very next day.
The Misconceptions of The Morning After Pill
As we mentioned earlier, there is a lot misleading information about emergency contraception. Let us explore into some common myths.
Myth: It only works the morning after
False, although it is called the morning after pill, the name is misleading. Depending which form of emergency contraception you take, some can be taken up to 5 days after sex has taken place.
Myth: You can only use it a few times in your life
False, you can use the morning after pill as many times as you like. There is no evidence to suggest it harms your fertility long term. It would be more appropriate to be on a regular form of contraception than to rely on emergency contraception.
Myth: The morning after pill causes abortions?
False, the morning after pill and the abortion pill are completely different and people should not get confused between the two. The morning after pill prevents a pregnancy where as an abortion pill ends a pregnancy,
Conclusion
It is quite difficult deciding which emergency contraception to take. But you must remember accidents do happen and your never alone. There are always options and you can talk to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you’re in doubt.
