Emergency contraception how does it work

You should take your next contraceptive pill, apply a new patch or insert a new ring within 12 hours of taking Levonelle. You'll need to wait at least 5 days before taking your next contraceptive pill, applying a new patch or inserting a new ring if you've taken ellaOne.

You should use additional contraception, such as condoms, while waiting to restart your contraceptive method and then for:. Taking the emergency contraceptive pill has not been shown to cause any serious or long-term health problems. However, it can sometimes have side effects. Common side effects include:. Get medical advice if you vomit within 2 hours of taking Levonelle, or 3 hours of taking ellaOne.

You'll need to take another dose or have an IUD fitted. Levonelle may still be used, but the dose may need to be increased. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise on this. There should be no interaction between the emergency pill and most antibiotics.

If you want to check that your medicines are safe to take with the emergency contraceptive pill, ask your GP or a pharmacist. You should also read the information leaflet that comes with your medicines. You may be able to get the emergency contraceptive pill in advance of having unprotected sex if you:.

Both Levonelle and ellaOne are effective only if taken before the release of an egg from the ovary ovulation. The sooner you take Levonelle or ellaOne, the more effective it will be. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, get medical advice as you will need to take another dose or have an IUD fitted.

The intrauterine device IUD is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper. It may prevent an egg from implanting in your womb or being fertilised.

Women who have a heart condition should speak to their GP or cardiologist before having an IUD fitted. Complications after having an IUD fitted are rare, but can include pain, infection, damage to the womb or expulsion the IUD coming out of your womb. If you use the IUD as an ongoing method of regular contraception, it may make your periods longer, heavier or more painful. This means less than 1 woman in using the IUD as emergency contraception will get pregnant.

The IUD must be fitted by a healthcare professional within 5 days hours of having unprotected sex or, if it's possible to estimate when you ovulate, up to 5 days after you ovulate. The way you access emergency contraception may have changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you're aged 13 or over, you can get contraception from the majority of pharmacies in Scotland, usually free of charge.

If you are not eligible for NHS Scotland services, you can buy the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies. You can get an initial 3-month supply of the progestogen-only pill as well as emergency contraception at pharmacies. What types of emergency contraception pills are available? How do emergency contraception pills prevent pregnancy? When should I think about using emergency contraception?

Consider using emergency contraception if you had sex and: You didn't use birth control You think your birth control didn't work see the list in the next section Consider asking your doctor for a prescription for emergency contraception pills, or having some type of emergency contraception pill already at home or with you in case you need it.

What does it mean for birth control to "fail" or not work correctly? Depending on the method of birth control you use, not working correctly means different things. How do I get emergency contraception? It depends on the type of emergency contraception you need.

If you do not see it on the shelf, ask the pharmacist for help. These brands are sold from behind the pharmacy counter. How quickly should I use emergency contraception after unprotected sex? Does emergency contraception have side effects?

Side effects differ for each woman and may include: Headache Abdominal pain Tiredness fatigue Dizziness Nausea Breast pain The side effects are usually mild and do not last long. Does body weight affect how well emergency contraception works for women? How can I get free or low-cost emergency contraception? If you have insurance, check with your insurance provider to find out what's included in your plan. If you have Medicaid, your insurance may cover emergency contraception.

Coverage varies between states, so check with your state's Medicaid program to learn about your benefits. If you don't have insurance, find a family planning clinic in your area.

They may provide emergency contraception for free or at low cost. To see if you are eligible for low-cost or no-cost health insurance, visit HealthCare. Can I get emergency contraception pills before I need them? Can I use emergency contraception as my regular form of birth control? Instead, use a condom, diaphragm, sponge, or cervical cap until you get your next period.

There are three types of emergency contraception. There are lots of different brand names the ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill - available without a prescription from pharmacies. It is called EllaOne a copper intrauterine device IUD - inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex by a trained doctor or nurse How does emergency contraception work?

How soon do I have to use the emergency contraceptive pill? It might still have some effect up to 96 hours 4 days. It can be used more than once in a cycle the ulipristal acetate pill should be taken within hours 5 days after unprotected sex the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill should not be used in the same menstrual cycle as ulipristal acetate Some women feel sick after taking the emergency contraceptive pill.

How effective is emergency contraception? Ulipristal acetate is slightly more effective than the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections STIs. Do the emergency contraception pills have any side-effects? When should I expect my period after taking an emergency contraceptive pill? You should do a pregnancy test if: your period is more than a week late your period is light or unusual in any way you get any other unusual bleeding Who can take the emergency contraceptive pill?

Can I use emergency contraception if I'm breastfeeding? Where can I get emergency contraception? Ongoing contraception The emergency contraceptive pill only helps to prevent pregnancy from the unprotected sex you have just had. You can also buy emergency contraception directly from a pharmacy or private sexual health clinic without a prescription. If you're not using a regular method of contraception, you might consider doing so to protect yourself from an unintended pregnancy.

There are several methods of contraception that protect you for a long period, so you don't have to think about them once they're in place, or remember to use or take them every day or every time you have sex. See a GP, nurse or visit your nearest sexual health clinic to discuss the options available. Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of If you're under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won't tell your parents or carer as long as they believe you fully understand the information you're given, and the decisions you're making.

Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won't make you. The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you're at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first. Page last reviewed: 22 February Next review due: 22 February Emergency contraception morning after pill, IUD - Your contraception guide Secondary navigation Getting started How does the female condom work?

Where to get contraception. What is emergency contraception? Where can I get emergency contraception? Emergency contraception. Things to consider Age, health, lifestyle, side effects How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? Combined pill Progestogen-only pill Natural family planning fertility awareness. Condoms Female condoms Diaphragm or cap.

Condoms Female condoms.