How Does Emergency Contraception Work & is it Effective?

Emergency contraception (morning after pill) can come to your rescue if you’re concerned about pregnancy after unprotected sex. It can also give you peace of mind if a condom breaks during sexual intercourse or your regular method of contraception fails. Continue reading for further details on where and how to get the morning after pill in Merthyr Tydfil.

The term ‘morning after’ can be misleading at times. It doesn’t mean that you need to wait until the next morning to use the pill. Emergency contraception works best when taken within 24 hours following unprotected sex. If you are about to ovulate, the morning after pill can still be effective even up to five days after. You should keep in mind that the morning after pill should be used as soon as possible to better the chances of avoiding pregnancy.

Is the morning after pill in Merthyr Tydfil effective?

You can find two main types of the morning after pill at your local pharmacy. These include Levonelle and ellaOne. Using Levonelle or ellaOne before ovulation (before egg release, early in the menstrual cycle) is the best way to get the most out of them. If you have unprotected sex in the 24 hours immediately following ovulation, when the egg can still be fertilised, then the emergency contraception may be of little or no use to you at all. Nonetheless, the morning after pill may interrupt the uterine environment’s capability to host implantation, so it’s still worth giving it a try.

However, there’s no need to worry – your pharmacist will advise you on the most effective contraceptive method based on your specific circumstances.

Both Levonelle and ellaOne seem to be 95% effective in the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. But Levonelle becomes less effective after 48 hours, down to 58%. ellaOne, on the other hand, has proved to maintain its effectiveness at 95% for up to 5 days following sexual intercourse.

Morning after pill Merthyr Tydfil

What are the side effects of the morning after pill?

The morning after pill may come with a few short-term side effects. These side effects are:

Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Heavier menstrual bleeding
Cramps or lower abdominal pain
Bleeding between periods

It’s necessary to notify your pharmacist if you vomit within two hours after using the morning after pill. You’ll be advised on your next move, which will most probably involve taking another tablet.

Can men buy the morning after pill in Merthyr Tydfil?

There is no law in particular that prohibits men from purchasing emergency contraception. However, pharmacists may be required to see the person taking the pill in person for the sake of their duty of care.

There are health questions that will have to be answered. Answering them may be a problem for anyone who isn’t the one to take them.

ellaOne morning after pill in Merthyr Tydfil

Can you get the morning after pill in Merthyr Tydfil for free?

The morning after pill is provided to women in the UK for free if prescribed by a GP, but Wales is the first to provide emergency contraception in the pharmacy for free. The morning after pills can be found in: