Emergency contraception (EC) is a birth control method used to prevent pregnancy after sexual encounters. In particular, if the contraception you used has failed – for example, if the condom broke or you forgot to take your regular pill. Continue reading to find out how to get the morning after pill in Pontarddulais for free.
There are two main types of emergency contraception. These include the morning after pill (emergency contraceptive pill) and the intrauterine device (IUD or coil).
Does the morning after pill really work?
Levonelle is a morning after pill that consists of levonorgestrel, an artificial version of the natural hormone progesterone generated by the ovaries. The pill works by stopping or delaying ovulation.
You must take Levonelle within 3 days after unprotected sex in order to avoid pregnancy. It doesn’t get in the way of your regular contraception.
Another morning after pill is ellaOne. It contains ulipristal acetate, a substance that prevents progesterone from functioning as required. This process also delays ovulation.
You have to take ellaOne within five days following unprotected sex to avoid getting pregnant.
Who is eligible for the morning after pill?
The emergency contraceptive pill can be used by most women. These include those who can’t use hormonal contraception, like the combined pill and patch. Under-16-year-old girls are also eligible to use it.
However, if you’re allergic to any ingredients in the emergency contraceptive pill, have severe asthma, or take any medicines that may interfere with its use, you may not be able to take it.
Taking one of these medicines at the same time may prevent ellaOne from working. You may still use Levonelle, but you must increase the dose as directed by your pharmacist.
How effective is the morning after pill in Pontarddulais?
Despite its effectiveness, emergency contraception is less reliable than regular contraception. This makes it only appropriate for emergencies. The more time passes after unprotected sex, the less effective the progestogen pill becomes.
Can men buy the morning after pill?
No. Emergency contraception can only be purchased by women. In order to determine suitability, a questionnaire will need to be completed before purchase.
Does the morning after pill offer protection against STIs?
No. Contraception like this can only be used to help prevent pregnancy. It cannot protect you from catching STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as HIV and chlamydia.
What are the side effects of emergency contraception?
The morning after pill doesn’t come with severe side effects, or ones that last for long. The mild side effects include:
– Period alteration – your next period can be painful or come earlier or later than usual.
– Headaches
– Stomach pain
– Feeling unwell
If you’re above the age of 16, it’s possible to purchase the morning after pill from your local pharmacy.
Can I get the morning after pill in Pontarddulais for free?
It is possible to get emergency contraception for free from these places, even if you are under 16:
– Contraception clinics
– Some GP surgeries
– Sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
– Some young people’s clinics
– Most pharmacies
– Most minor injuries units and NHS walk-in centres
– Some accident and emergency (A&E) departments
Contact us for more information or visit us today to get your morning after pill. In Wales, you can get the pill for free in pharmacies. Here at Medihub, we even offer the initial consultation over the phone so you can speak to us in a comfortable space for you. You can then visit us to pick the pill up in-store at your convenience.
This blog post was written on behalf of Medihub Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
