Emergency Contraception:  What it’s Like to Take the Morning After Pill?

Sometimes intimacy can lead to an unforeseen accident. This can be anything from failed contraception (broken condom), being swept away in the moment where contraception is not used, or not realizing that certain medications decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.  In the event any of these occur, you could be risking an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.  If this is the case, you do have a choice.  Emergency contraception such as an IUD and “The Morning After Pill”.  Pearl Chemist Group carries morning-after pills available for you to order online for delivery direct to your door.

What Are My Emergency Contraception Options?
 1.  An IUD (intrauterine device) or coil
2.  The emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill)

Intrauterine Device or Coil
An IUD or Coil can be used as both emergency contraception and your regular contraception method once placed.  

  • An IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex
  • An IUD is more effective than the contraceptive pill at preventing pregnancy

When an IUD or Coil is placed, you may feel some discomfort which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. A side effect of an IUD or Coil is that it is possible that your periods could become longer, heavier, or more painful.  An IUD should be replaced between 3 and 10 years. Your GP would provide guidance in this regard.

The emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill)
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills: 

  • Levonelle:  this must be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex for it to be effective
  • ellaOne:  this must be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex for it to be effective

In either case, the sooner you take the morning-after pill, the more effective it will be.  Emergency contraception does not cause an abortion. It simply prevents a fertilized egg from implanting.

You should not experience any serious side effects, but the pills can give you a headache or a stomach ache or make you feel sick. It can also make your next period earlier, later or more painful than usual.  If you become sick and vomit within 2 hours of taking either pill, you should alert your GP as soon as possible as you may need to have an additional dose or you will need to have an IUD or Coil fitted. Visit Pearl Chemist Group online today and order your emergency contraceptive today. www.pearlchemistgroup.co.uk