Emergency Contraception

The emergency contraception pill can prevent you from becoming pregnant after failed contraception or unprotected sex. Most women and girls can use the emergency contraceptive pill as these are safe and effective against unwanted pregnancies. There are 2 types of oral emergency contraceptive pills we have available, Levonelle (Levonorgestrel) or ellaOne, both of which are known as the “morning after” pill.

Levonelle contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone (Levonorgestrel) which is produced by the ovaries. It is thought to work by stopping or delaying ovulation. Levonelle needs to be taken within 3 days of sex to prevent pregnancy.

ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone from working normally. This also works by stopping and delaying the release of an egg. ellaOne needs to be taken within 5 days or sex to prevent pregnancy. Either way, the sooner you take the emergency contraceptive pill the more effective it will be in preventing pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptive pills are not intended to be used as a regular form of contraception, but they can be used more than once in a menstrual cycle if required. We recommend speaking to your GP or sexual health clinic if you would like to discuss more regular forms of contraception.

We currently offer three morning after pills for you to purchase online for whenever you need it. You can purchase these for future use if you don’t need to use them right away. Just fill out the online consultation to purchase and we will advise if your chosen pill is suitable for you.