Avoiding Pregnancy: The Benefits of Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is a type of birth control that can help prevent you from falling pregnant. Accidents happen and even with the best of intentions, we sometimes end up being at risk of an unwanted pregnancy. This can be due to failed birth control like a condom splitting or just being swept up at the moment.

If you’ve had unprotected sex and are worried about unwanted pregnancy, we can help by providing you with emergency contraception. You should contact us as soon as possible for the emergency contraception to be effective. 

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill

The most widely used form of emergency contraception is a pill colloquially known as the “morning-after pill.” When taken quickly and correctly, the emergency contraceptive pill can prevent up to 95% of unwanted pregnancies. It works by preventing ovulation, the stage of the menstrual cycle where an egg is released by the ovaries for fertilization.

Emergency contraception can be used in situations like incorrect usage of birth control, failed birth control, unprotected sex, or suspected unprotected sex. Most women of reproductive age are able to use emergency contraception without any medical contraindications.

While safe to use, if you are finding that you’re turning to emergency contraception on a regular basis you should consider a regular form of birth control like the birth control pill. Our pharmacists can provide you with information and advice about the different types of contraception available.

Types of Morning-After Pills

There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills available. Unlike the name suggests, you can take these pills up to 3-5 days after unprotected sex.

• Levonelle:
  Levonelle can be used up to 3 days/72 hours after having unprotected sex and does not need a prescription. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of a female sex hormone called progesterone.
• ellaOne:
  ellaOne is a prescription-only emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It has the active ingredient ulipristal acetate, a substance that is effective at delaying ovulation.

Emergency Contraception Near Me

Free emergency contraception may be available at your nearest GUM clinic, NHS walk-in centers, or GP surgeries. However, if you’re looking for emergency contraception without the wait in Northampton, then you must contact us. We can quickly provide you with an effective emergency contraceptive pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy in an understanding and confidential environment.