Women

Morning After Pill

Emergency contraception is contraception you can use after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure to prevent a pregnancy. There are two different methods of contraception which are suitable for emergency contraception.

The most used emergency contraceptive is the “morning after pill”.

Though often called the morning after pill, it can actually be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, depending on which type of pill you take.

The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.

At Webmed Phamacy we offer both EllaOne and Levonorgestrel, both of which are very effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. When you order with us you can be assured of the following:

  • A discreet, reliable and fast service

  • We’re a GMC-registered pharmacy with fully qualified pharmacists and doctors

  • We’re also registered with the Care Quality Commission, with a rating of ‘good’ (please see the bottom of this page for more details) 

For more details about the medications we offer, please see below.

EllaOne

EllaOne is a highly effective emergency contraceptive pill. It can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse, making it effective for a longer window than some alternatives. EllaOne works by delaying or preventing ovulation, which in turn reduces the chance of pregnancy. It is available on prescription only in the UK and is particularly useful for women who have missed taking the combined oral contraceptive pill or have otherwise experienced some form of contraceptive failure. The sooner you take EllaOne after intercourse, the more effective it is likely to be.

Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected intercourse. Levonorgestrel works best when taken as soon as possible after intercourse, as its effectiveness decreases as time passes. It is a well-established and widely used morning after pill that has been available for many years. Whilst it is less effective than EllaOne, Levonorgestrel remains a reliable option for emergency contraception and is suitable for most women seeking immediate pregnancy prevention.

To purchase either of our morning after pill products you must complete the consultation to make sure it is safe and suitable for you. Our process is discreet, easy to complete and fast:

How our Morning After Pill service works

  1. Complete a confidential medical questionnaire to be reviewed by our doctor.

  2. Free consultation and clinical review of your details, to ensure that we select the right medication for your needs. 

  3. Courier next working day delivery in a 1 hour time slot. We are the only online pharmacy to offer this as standard at no extra cost. 

When to take the morning after pill

Take the morning after pill as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 24 hours. Levonorgestrel pills are effective up to 72 hours after intercourse, whilst EllaOne can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after intercourse. The sooner you take it, the better your chances of preventing pregnancy. 

Does the morning after pill have side effects?

Yes, the morning after pill can cause side effects, though they are usually relatively minor and pass within 1-3 days. Common side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and fatigue. Some people experience changes in their next menstrual cycle, such as earlier or delayed periods. If you have concerns about specific health conditions or medications you're taking, consult with us before use, as certain conditions or drug interactions may require additional considerations.

How effective is the morning after pill?

The morning after pill is effective at preventing pregnancies, although it does depend on which type of pill is used and how long after intercourse it is taken. Levonorgestrel is typically 95% effective if taken after one day, 85% effective after 2 days and about 58% effective after 3 days, whereas EllaOne can be up to 98-99% effective and can be taken up to five days after intercourse. Regardless of which pill is used, it is important to take it as soon as possible to maximise effectiveness. 

How does the morning after pill work?

The morning after pill prevents pregnancy by delaying or stopping ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. By postponing ovulation, it reduces the chance of sperm meeting an egg. Morning after pills will not work if pregnancy has already been established, making early use essential for maximum effectiveness.

Does the morning after pill work during ovulation?

This is a common concern for individuals who wish to take the morning after pill. The morning after pill primarily prevents or delays ovulation, so its effectiveness is reduced if you're already ovulating or have recently ovulated. If you're at peak fertility when you take it, the pill may be less effective at preventing pregnancy. Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) tends to be more effective during the fertile window than Levonorgestrel-based pills. If you're concerned about timing or your menstrual cycle, speak with a pharmacist or doctor who can assess your individual situation and discuss other options if needed.

Can the morning after pill delay your period?

Yes, the morning after pill can affect your menstrual cycle. It may cause your period to arrive earlier or later than expected, sometimes by several days. This is a normal hormonal response and usually resolves within the following cycle. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding may also occur. Keep track of when your period arrives; if it's more than a week late, consider taking a pregnancy test. Most people return to their normal cycle within one or two months. If you experience significant changes to your cycle or have concerns, contact your GP.

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