If you have had unprotected intercourse or if your method of birth control has failed, such as a condom splitting, or if you forgot to take a tablet, emergency contraception can help you avoid becoming pregnant. Can I get free emergency contraception near me in Kirkham? Continue reading to find out.
What is emergency contraception near me?
Emergency contraception comes in two varieties:
– Emergency contraceptive pill – Levonelle or ellaOne (commonly known as the “morning after” pill)
– The intrauterine device (IUD or coil)
Facts about emergency contraception
– For the emergency contraceptive pill to be successful, you must take it within 3 days (Levonelle) or 5 days (ellaOne) following unprotected sex; the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be.
– For the IUD to be effective, it must be placed up to 5 days after unprotected sex or 5 days after the earliest possible period of ovulation.
– Less than 1% of women who use the IUD become pregnant, making it more successful than the contraceptive pill at preventing pregnancy.
– The emergency contraceptive pills Levonelle or ellaOne may cause headaches, stomachache, or feelings of nausea.
– Your next period could come early, later, or hurt more than usual if you take an emergency contraceptive pill.
– Visit your doctor, pharmacist, or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you experience nausea or vomiting within two hours after taking Levonelle or three hours after using ellaOne. You’ll need to take another dose or get an IUD inserted.
– The IUD can be left in place and used as your regular method of contraception.
– Your periods can become heavier, longer, or more painful if you use the IUD as your primary method of birth control.
– When the IUD is inserted, you could experience some discomfort, although painkillers can help.
– Emergency contraception doesn’t cause abortion and does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
– There are no severe side effects of using emergency contraception.
Can you get emergency contraceptive pills over the counter?
Most pharmacies sell the levonorgestrel morning-after pill over the counter without a prescription.
What is unprotected sex?
Unprotected sexual intercourse is sex without using any method of contraception.
Below are several instances where you could require emergency contraception.
– You forgot to take your contraceptive pill or change your ring or patch and have had sex.
– The condom broke or came off during sex.
– You didn’t use any form of contraception, including condoms.
How does the emergency contraception near me work?
Levonelle
Levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries, is an ingredient in Levonelle.
Taking the pill prevents or postpones an egg’s release (ovulation).
To avoid getting pregnant, Levonelle must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having intercourse. Levonelle does not affect your regular form of contraception.
ellaOne
Ulipristal acetate, a component of ellaOne, prevents progesterone from functioning correctly. This likewise functions by preventing or delaying an egg’s release.
To prevent pregnancy, ellaOne must be used within 120 hours (5 days) of intercourse.
If you take Levonelle or ellaOne
If you have unprotected sex at any point after taking the emergency pill, you can become pregnant, since Levonelle and ellaOne stop protecting you from pregnancy.
They are not meant to be used regularly as a method of contraception. However, if necessary, you can use emergency contraception more than once throughout a menstrual cycle.
Where can I get emergency contraception near me in Kirkham?
Getting it for free
Even if you are under 16, you can receive free emergency contraception from the following locations, however not all of them may fit the IUD:
– Sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
– Some accident and emergency (A&E) departments (phone first to check)
– Contraception clinics
– Some GP surgeries
– Most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
– Some young people’s clinics
– Most pharmacies
Buying it
The emergency contraceptive pill can be purchased from most pharmacies in person or online if you are 16 years old or older.
What are the side effects of using emergency contraception?
There are no severe or long-term side effects from using the emergency contraceptive pill.
However, it can cause:
– Headaches
– Changes to your next period – it can be earlier, later, or more painful than normal
– Abdominal pain
– Feeling or being ill – If you feel sick within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours after using ellaOne, get medical treatment right away, since you’ll need to take another dose or have an IUD inserted.
I’m not sure if I need emergency contraception, what should I do?
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult a GP, sexual health clinic nurse, or pharmacist. Even if all you do is call a doctor, acting right away is preferable to waiting because the longer you wait, the less effective emergency contraception is.
Get in touch with HMI Pharmacy today to get your emergency contraception near you in Kirkham.
This blog post was written on behalf of HMI Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.