Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception – what are my options?

Emergency contraception comes in two main forms – the most common emergency contraception is known as the 'morning after' pill and works by altering the levels of hormones in your body. The emergency contraceptive pill itself comes in two varieties, which can provide contraceptive cover up to three or five days respectively.

A less common form of emergency contraception is the use of an intrauterine device (or IUD, or 'coil'), which prevents a fertilised egg from growing.

Emergency contraceptive pills – how they work

The two emergency contraceptive pills that are now available to buy online in the UK are Levonelle and ellaOne. Broadly speaking, both of these emergency contraceptive pills provide emergency contraception by altering your hormone levels. Levonelle contains an artificial version of the hormone levonorgestrel, which affects ovulation. ellaOne targets hormone receptors with a chemical called ulipristal to prevent release of the egg.

Using an IUD as emergency contraception

In addition to ensuring sufficient contraceptive cover when fitted within five days of unprotected sexual intercourse, an IUD offers a long-term solution to contraception. It is a small plastic or metal device which works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg in your womb. Some women say they find it uncomfortable, and most now choose emergency contraceptive pills as an alternative form of emergency contraception.

Emergency contraceptive pills and sexually transmitted diseases

Emergency contraception and emergency contraceptive pills work only to stop you becoming pregnant. They do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and are not a substitute for full barrier protection such as condoms. For maximum protection against STDs you should ensure you use a condom, in particular if you are having sex with a new partner.

Emergency contraceptive pills and your regular birth control

If you use an oral contraceptive pill, you should continue to take it when you use emergency contraceptive pills. Until your next period, it is advisable to use a condom or other barrier form of contraception in addition to your usual birth control pill to be sure of maximum protection.

Emergency contraceptive pills – safety

Pill-based emergency contraception is very safe, but can only be used once in any single menstrual cycle. If you require emergency contraception again during the same cycle, you will not be able to take a pill and an IUD would be your only option.

Buy emergency contraceptive pills online

It is straightforward to buy emergency contraception such as ellaOne or Levonelle emergency contraceptive pills online. To buy emergency contraceptive pills online in the UK from TrustedMeds, simply use our free online consultation tool to provide our registered doctor with enough information to assess your suitability. If emergency contraceptive pills are a suitable form of emergency contraception for you, we will dispatch your medicine immediately in discreet Royal Mail packaging.