FAQs: Morning after pills
- What is the morning after pill?
- When is it needed?
- How does it work?
- Do these treatments cause abortion?
- When should I take the morning after pill?
- Which morning after pills are available?
- Which morning after pill should I take?
- Where can I obtain the morning after pill?
- How long after unprotected sex do I have?
- If I am breastfeeding which should I use?
- Will it prevent STIs?
- If I drink alcohol before or after taking emergency contraceptive pills, will they be less effective?
- What other emergency contraception is available?
- What if I vomit after taking my morning after pill?
- What if I took the morning after pill and then had unprotected sex the next day?
- When will my next period come?
- Can I buy emergency contraception in advance in case I need it?
- How often can I take it?
- Are morning after pills needed, if I already take contraceptive pills?
What is the morning after pill?
It is a pill to prevent pregnancy, which is taken after intercourse has occurred.
When is it needed?
If you at risk of pregnancy i.e. had unprotected sex, or if your birth control method fails.
How does it work?
Morning after pills work mainly by delaying or stopping ovulation. Sperm survive for up to 5 days after intercourse. If ovulation does not occur in that time, fertilisation will not happen. The lining of the womb may also be affected, decreasing the chance if implantation.
Do these treatments cause abortion?
No, emergency contraception does not cause an abortion, it prevents conception or implantation.
When should I take the morning after pill?
Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken. Take the medication (a single tablet) as soon as possible after unprotected sex, not necessarily the next morning.
Which morning after pills are available in the UK?
There are 2 available:
- Levonorgestrel 1.5mg - a synthetic version of naturally occurring hormone progesterone. This is produced under several names: Levonelle, Levonelle One Step, Ezinelle, and generic Levonorgestrel 1.5mg
- Ulipristal acetate 30mg (brand name ellaOne) - a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) which blocks progesterone function.
Both are available from pharmacies without prescription.
Which morning after pill should I take?
This depends on the following:
- Time since unprotected intercourse – Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is effective if taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse, ellaOne up to 120 hours (5 days).
- Frequency of use – women requiring emergency contraception more than once in a menstrual cycle should consult a doctor or specialist contraception advisor.
- Whether you take a hormonal contraceptive – both ellaOne and Levonorgestrel 1.5mg interfere with regular contraceptive pills (both combined and progesterone only), but ellaOne disrupts pill function for longer.
- Health issues – you should avoid ellaOne if you think you may already be pregnant, are allergic to it, or have uncontrolled severe asthma. Some medicines interact with both pills. These medicines are specified in the online consultation.
- Cost – ellaOne costs significantly more than Levonorgestrel 1.5mg. See prices on emergency contraception page
Where can I obtain the morning after pill?
There are several options. As well as online from Dr Fox Pharmacy, you can see your GP, out-of-hours GP (telephone 111), go to a pharmacy (most, not all), sexual health or family planning clinics, walk in centres. Further information from NHS website.
How to orderHow long after unprotected sex do I have?
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) and ellaOne within 120 hours (5 days) of intercourse.
If I am breastfeeding which should I use?
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg can be taken whilst breastfeeding. The manufacture advises against taking ellaOne whilst breastfeeding because of a lack of data.
Will it prevent STIs?
No, only a physical barrier such as condoms will prevent STIs.
If I drink alcohol before or after taking emergency contraceptive pills, will they be less effective?
No, there is no effect of alcohol on the morning after pill. Alcohol can indirectly affect contraceptives – e.g. causing you to forget to use them, or putting on a condom incorrectly.
What other emergency contraception is available?
The IUD (intrauterine device or coil) can be inserted into the womb to prevent implantation. It is effective up to 120 hrs (5 days) after unprotected sex. It is the most effective form of emergency contraception, although can be harder to access than a pill. IUDs can be fitted by a trained healthcare professional at family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries.
An IUD can be left in place as a regular method of contraception, or it can be removed during the next period.
What if I vomit after taking my morning after pill?
If you're sick within two hours of taking Levonorgestrel 1.5mg, or three hours of taking ellaOne, the medicine cannot be guaranteed to work and you will need to take another dose or have an IUD fitted.
What if I took the morning after pill and then had unprotected sex the next day?
You would not be protected and would need a further dose, if Levonorgestrel 1.5mg was taken, or an alternative emergency contraceptive method (coil), if EllaOne was taken.
When will my next period come?
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg and ellaOne can make your period a few days earlier or later than usual. Your next period should start within the next month. If you don't get your period by the time you expect it or 3 weeks after unprotected intercourse, you should have a pregnancy test.
Can I buy emergency contraception in advance in case I need it?
Yes, morning-after-pills are more effective the sooner they are taken. Avoiding the delay in obtaining your medicine will decrease the risk of pregnancy. The can be purchased in advance online.
Emergency contraception is not as effective as regular contraception. If you are not using regular contraception and need it, you should see your GP.
How often can I take it?
Women requiring emergency contraception more than once in a menstrual cycle should consult a doctor or specialist contraception advisor.
Are morning after pills needed, if I already take contraceptive pills?
Hormonal contraception used | Need for emergency contraception |
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Combined oral contraception |
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Progestogen-only contraception |
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Authored 18 October 2013 by Dr Tony Steele
Last updated 17 February 2021
Reviewed by Dr B. Babor, Dr A. Wood, Dr P. Hunt
Last reviewed 11 April 2018