Accidents happen, we all know that, and when it comes to emergency contraception, it pays to be in the know. It offers peace of mind knowing that this type of treatment is available to you, should you need it. So, to make sure that you’re fully up to speed with your sexual health and your options, here are three things you might not already know about emergency contraception. There are a few reasons you may need it; condoms split, you forgot to take your pill, maybe it was a spur of the moment thing. I know that I’ve used the “morning after” pill as some like to call it, just to make sure! Here are three things you may not have known about it.
1. Emergency contraception is easily accessible
Emergency contraception is easily accessible, and there are a number of places where you can access the treatment you need. The morning after pill is available at your local sexual health clinic or your GP surgery, or you could visit an online pharmacy, such as Online Doctor Lloyds Pharmacy, which eliminates the need to speak to someone face-to-face. You are also able to have the intrauterine device (IUD), which can be fitted at your local contraception or sexual health clinic or your GP surgery up to five days after intercourse.
2. There are three different types of emergency contraception available
There are three main types of emergency contraception available – two of these are Levonelle and ellaOne, which are both versions of the morning after pill. The third is the emergency coil, which is often referred to as the IUD, as mentioned above.
All three types of emergency contraception work to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, however it’s important to understand that each one is unique. One of the main differences between them is that Levonelle and ellaOne are taken in tablet form, while the IUD is a small plastic and copper device which is inserted into the womb. Another big difference is that the IUD can also act as a continuous method of ongoing contraception, while the morning after pill cannot.
Although they both work to prevent or delay ovulation, it’s important to recognise that Levonelle and ellaOne have different timeframes in which they need to be taken. Levonelle has to be used within three days of unprotected sex, while ellaOne can be taken within five days. The sooner either are taken, the more effective they will be. Meanwhile, as mentioned, the IUD can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex to have the same effects as the morning after pills.
3. There are some potential side effects
While emergency contraception will not cause any long-term damage, you may experience some side effects. If you take the morning after pill, the most common side effects include stomach pain, headaches, nausea, tiredness and irregular menstrual bleeding. It’s unlikely that you would experience any problems using the IUD, but in some cases it has been known to cause pain, infection and damage to the womb. If you’re concerned about any of the side effects associated with emergency contraception, you should speak to a medical professional.
Keeping this information in mind could give you added peace of mind that there is help available if you ever want to prevent yourself from falling pregnant after unprotected sex.
I used this once when I go caught short with the husband and I was shocked at how easy it was to pick up from the chemist.