What is emergency contraception?
An emergency contraceptive is used following unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy. This can also be used in the event that your contraception fails, such as when a condom falls off or breaks while you are having a sexual encounter. Keep reading to learn how to get the morning after pill in Edinburgh and why you need it.
There are usually two main types of emergency contraception. These include:
– ellaOne or Levonelle (emergency contraceptive pill or morning after pill)
– The intrauterine device (IUD or coil)
How the morning after pill in Edinburgh works
Levonelle
As the name suggests, Levonelle is made of the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, which is similar to the natural hormone progesterone.
Levonelle either prevents or delays the release of eggs by inhibiting or delaying ovulation. However, this pill should be taken three days (72 hours) after unprotected sexual activity in order to prevent pregnancy.
It’s important to note that you cannot interrupt your usual contraception by using this pill.
ellaOne
The active ingredient in ellaOne is ulipristal acetate, which prevents progesterone from functioning normally. The process of ovulation is inhibited or delayed with ellaOne, just as it is with Levonelle.
Essentially, after having unprotected sex, ellaOne must be taken within 5 days (120 hours) to avoid pregnancy.
Who can use the morning after pill in Edinburgh?
There are large numbers of women eligible for emergency contraception (morning after pill). Among them are women who are unable to use hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive patch and combined pill. They also include girls under 16 years old.
Even so, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, you should not take the emergency contraceptive pill. Furthermore, if you have severe asthma or take medications that may interact with it, you should avoid taking this pill.
You will not be able to get the full benefit of ellaOne if you take medications that interact with it. If this is the case, you can still use Levonelle, but at a higher dose.
Is the morning after pill effective?
The morning after pills can be effective, however, you should not use them as regular contraception. Regular use makes them less effective. It is, therefore, advisable to use them only in an emergency. Consequently, you can take the pill immediately after intercourse to be more guaranteed of its effectiveness.
What if you are using your regular contraception?
It’s advisable to take the morning after pill if you:
– Forgot to use your regular contraceptive pills
– Were late in getting your contraceptive injection or contraceptive implant
– Forgot to use your vaginal ring or contraceptive patch in a correct way
Can men buy the morning after pill in Edinburgh?
No. Men cannot buy emergency contraceptive pills, only women can purchase the pills. However, for suitability purposes, you will have to complete a questionnaire prior to purchasing. Emergency pills are available for pick-up in our stores.
Can the morning after pill safeguard me from sexually transmitted infections?
A contraceptive emergency pill can only prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. It, therefore, doesn’t offer protection against STIs (sexually transmitted infections or diseases), including Chlamydia, HIV, or genital warts.
What are the side effects of the morning after pill in Edinburgh?
Emergency contraception pills do not come with serious long-lasting side effects. Their side effects may include:
– Tummy pain
– Headaches
– The periods that follow may be irregular and more painful than usual and can come earlier or later.
– Feeling unwell – get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist if you feel sick within three hours after taking ellaOne or 2 hours after taking Levonelle.
Consequently, you may need to have an IUD fitted or take an additional dose.
Can you get the morning after pill in Edinburgh for free?
Although the emergency pill is sold in pharmacies, it’s also possible to get it for free if you are under 16. Please see the list below for locations. Note, however, that some locations may not be appropriate for IUDs:
– Most pharmacies like Newington Pharmacy
– Contraception clinics
– Some GP surgeries
– Sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics
– Most NHS minor injuries units and walk-in centres
– Some young people’s clinics
– Some accident and emergency (A&E) departments
Many pharmacies sell the emergency contraceptive pill to women over the age of 16. They are available online and in stores.
Can I get the morning after pill in Edinburgh in advance?
It’s possible to purchase the morning after pill early enough before unprotected sex if:
– You feel like your method of contraception may fail
– You want to go on holiday
– It’s not easy for you to access the morning after pill
Find out how to obtain an advanced supply of emergency contraception by contacting your pharmacist or GP. Visit us for not only discreet but also professional advice about contraceptives.
This blog post was written on behalf of Newington Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.