What is Emergency Hormonal Contraception?
Emergency contraception is a tablet that a woman takes to help prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex. Unprotected sex includes situations where other forms of contraception have failed, such as a condom breaking or coming off during sex. At Heald Green Pharmacy, we offer discreet and professional advice on emergency contraception options to help you make the best decision for your needs.
How Does Emergency Hormonal Contraception Work?
Emergency hormonal contraception works by delaying the release of an egg during the ovulation phase of your menstrual cycle. Ovulation is triggered by rising levels of luteinising hormone (LH) in the body. The higher the LH levels, the less effective emergency contraception becomes. This is why it is important to take the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible following unprotected sex for maximum effectiveness.
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills available:
–> ellaOne – More effective later in the menstrual cycle, as it can still prevent ovulation even when LH levels are higher.
–> Levonorgestrel – Works best when taken earlier but is less effective once LH levels have increased.
Both types should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally on the same day. Emergency contraception must be collected in-store, but you can order and collect your tablets on the same day.
What Are the Side Effects of Taking Emergency Contraception?
Like any medication, emergency contraception can cause side effects, which vary from person to person. The most common side effects include:
–> Irregular bleeding or spotting
–> Nausea
–> Headaches
–> Abdominal or period-like pain
These symptoms are usually short-lived, but if they persist, you should seek medical advice.
Can Men Buy Emergency Contraception?
No, only women can purchase emergency contraception. Before purchasing, you will need to complete a short questionnaire to ensure the treatment is suitable for you. Emergency contraception is only available for in-person collection at one of our stores.
Does Emergency Contraception Protect Against STIs?
No, emergency contraception only helps prevent pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, genital warts, or HIV. To reduce the risk of STIs, you should practice safe sex by using condoms during intercourse.
What Is Unprotected Sex?
Unprotected sex refers to any sexual intercourse where no form of contraception is used, or when contraception fails. This includes instances where:
–> A condom breaks or comes off
–> A woman forgets to take her contraceptive pill
–> No contraception is used at all
While emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy, it does not offer protection against infections or diseases transmitted through sexual contact.
What Is Safe Sex?
Safe sex involves taking precautions to reduce the risk of pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. This includes:
–> Using condoms consistently and correctly
–> Combining barrier methods with other forms of birth control
–> Regular STI testing to ensure you and your partner remain protected
Even if you use hormonal contraception, it is recommended to use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
Speak to Our Pharmacist
If you require emergency contraception or have questions about your contraceptive options, contact Heald Green Pharmacy. Our pharmacists provide confidential advice and guidance on choosing the right emergency contraception for your needs.
For more information on emergency contraception, visit the NHS website: NHS Emergency Contraception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at the questions we get asked the most
We can provide treatment for a range of conditions, including weight management, travel health, minor infections, skin conditions, ear health, and more. Our pharmacist prescribers can issue prescriptions where appropriate, and we operate under Patient Group Directions (PGDs) for specific treatments.
Appointments must be booked via our online booking calendar. Simply select the service you need, choose a suitable time, and confirm your appointment.
Yes! We offer both online and in-store consultations. Our pharmacist prescribers can assess your condition and recommend treatments through a secure online consultation, saving you time and hassle.
Once your consultation is complete, you can either collect your medication in-store or have it delivered to your home for convenience.
If a payment is required, we can send you a secure payment link, allowing you to pay online quickly and easily before receiving your treatment. Or, you can pay in store.
A Pharmacist Prescriber is a qualified pharmacist who can assess medical conditions, prescribe treatments, and issue prescriptions without needing a GP appointment. This allows for faster access to treatment.
PGDs allow our pharmacists to provide certain prescription-only medicines without a GP prescription. This means you can receive treatment for common conditions like weight loss, travel vaccinations, minor infections, and more, directly from our pharmacy.
No, you don’t need a referral. Our pharmacists are qualified to assess, prescribe, and dispense medications for a variety of conditions, meaning you can receive treatment quickly without seeing a GP.
Most medications can be dispensed immediately after your consultation if collected in-store. If you choose delivery, we aim to dispatch your medication within 24–48 hours, depending on delivery.
