The morning after pill is a safe and effective form of emergency contraception, offering a backup option when your regular contraceptive methods fail or go unused. At Shivas Pharmacy, we’re here to guide you through the dos and don’ts of taking the morning after pill, ensuring you use it correctly and with confidence.

Dos When Taking the Morning After Pill

1. Take It as Soon as Possible

The sooner you take the morning after pill, the more effective it will be. Levonelle can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, while ellaOne is effective for up to 120 hours (5 days). However, timing is crucial—taking the pill within the first 24 hours offers the best chance of preventing pregnancy.

2. Understand Your Options

There are two main types of morning after pills available in the UK: Levonelle and ellaOne. Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, while ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, our pharmacists at Shivas Pharmacy can provide personalised advice.

3. Check Your Medications

Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill. These include certain antibiotics, epilepsy treatments, and herbal remedies like St John’s Wort. Always let your pharmacist know about any medications you’re taking.

4. Be Aware of Your Menstrual Cycle

While the morning after pill works by delaying ovulation, it’s important to know where you are in your cycle. If you’ve already ovulated, the pill may not be effective. In such cases, a copper IUD might be a better option.

5. Seek Professional Advice if Needed

If you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional. At Shivas Pharmacy, we offer discreet, non-judgemental consultations to help you make informed decisions.

Don’ts When Taking the Morning After Pill

1. Don’t Delay Taking It

Procrastination can significantly reduce the pill’s effectiveness. If you’re in doubt, act immediately rather than waiting to consult with someone later.

2. Don’t Use It as Your Sole Method of Contraception

The morning after pill is designed for emergencies, not as a regular contraceptive method. It is less effective than other forms of contraception and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

3. Don’t Panic About Side Effects

Some side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or changes in your menstrual cycle, are normal after taking the morning after pill. However, if you experience severe symptoms or prolonged discomfort, seek medical advice.

4. Don’t Rely on It if You’re Overweight Without Consulting a Professional

Studies suggest that body weight or BMI may reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill. If this applies to you, a pharmacist may recommend alternative options, such as a higher dose or a copper IUD.

5. Don’t Skip Follow-Up Care if Necessary

If your period is more than seven days late, significantly lighter or heavier than usual, or accompanied by unusual symptoms, it’s essential to take a pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider.

How the Morning After Pill Works

The morning after pill primarily works by delaying ovulation, ensuring that no egg is released for sperm to fertilise. It will not terminate an existing pregnancy, nor does it guarantee 100% effectiveness. Understanding these facts can help manage expectations and encourage proper use.

Why the Morning After Pill is Not a Regular Contraception Method

The morning after pill is a valuable tool in preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected sex, but it’s not designed for regular use. Its effectiveness is lower than other contraceptive methods, and frequent use can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, it does not protect against STIs, making it unsuitable as a long-term solution.

If you’re looking for reliable contraception, consider these alternatives:

Oral Contraceptives (The Pill): Taken daily, the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill are highly effective when used correctly.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC): Options such as the implant, intrauterine system (IUS), or intrauterine device (IUD) provide effective protection for several years.

Barrier Methods: Condoms not only prevent pregnancy but also protect against STIs.

At Shivas Pharmacy, we can discuss these methods with you and help you find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.

The Role of Shivas Pharmacy

At Shivas Pharmacy, we’re committed to providing clear, supportive advice on emergency contraception and other health concerns. If you need the morning after pill, our trained pharmacists are here to help. We offer discreet consultations, ensuring your privacy and comfort at every step.

Take Control of Your Reproductive Health

Taking the morning after pill can be an empowering step in managing your reproductive health. By following these dos and don’ts, you can use it effectively and with confidence. If you have any questions or need further guidance, contact us for personalised advice and support.

Book a ‘general appointment’ below or drop in at Shivas Pharmacy to get the support you need from a member of our team.

This blog was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.