The morning-after pill works by preventing or delaying ovulation, which stops the egg from being fertilized or implanted.

ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which delays or stops ovulation. It remains effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex, allowing sperm to die off and preventing pregnancy. To be effective, it must be taken within 5 days.

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which also delays or stops ovulation. Levonelle should be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex for maximum effectiveness.

Levonelle can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex, while ellaOne can be taken up to 5 days. Both are effective only if taken before ovulation occurs. Since it can be hard to pinpoint when ovulation has happened, it's best to take emergency contraception as soon as possible for the highest chance of preventing pregnancy.

How many times can you take the morning after pill?

Both ellaOne and Levonelle are taken as a single tablet. While there is no strict limit on how many times you can use them, you should avoid using both types in close succession. You cannot take Levonelle if you have used ellaOne in the last 5 days, and vice versa, due to potential interactions.

If you frequently need emergency contraception, consider using a more reliable method, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), which can also serve as ongoing contraception. Regular contraception, like the contraceptive pill, is a more effective way to prevent pregnancy than relying on the morning-after pill.

What if I vomit after taking the morning after pill?

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the morning-after pill, you need to take another dose as soon as possible. If vomiting occurs again, the emergency contraceptive may not be suitable for you. In this case, consult your GP or visit a family planning clinic for an alternative emergency contraception method.

The morning after pill can be ordered online through Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply complete a quick online questionnaire, and our doctors will review your information to ensure the right pill is prescribed. You can have it delivered to your chosen address or collect it from a Superdrug store or a local post office.

Can I get the morning after pill over the counter?

Yes, you can buy the morning after pill over the counter at most pharmacies. A consultation with the pharmacist will be required, similar to the online questionnaire. You must be 16 or older to purchase it.

Where to get the morning after pill for free

You can obtain the morning after pill for free from:

• The NHS
• Sexual health clinics
• Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
• Some GP surgeries
• Some A&E departments

It’s recommended to call ahead to confirm availability or book an appointment. Alternatively, Superdrug Online Doctor allows you to buy it online, with delivery within 24 hours or same-day collection from a Superdrug pharmacy.

Can I get the emergency contraceptive pill in advance?

Yes, you can order the morning after pill in advance if you're concerned about accessibility or your regular contraception failing. You don’t need a prescription, and you can consult with our online doctors about emergency contraception and regular contraceptive options.

The morning after pill generally does not cause serious or long-term side effects, though some mild and temporary effects can occur. These side effects are usually linked to the stage of your menstrual cycle when the pill is taken and typically resolve on their own without the need for treatment.

ellaOne Side Effects may include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Painful periods
• Breast tenderness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Fatigue

Levonelle Side Effects may include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lower abdominal pain
• Irregular bleeding (spotting) during your next period
• Fatigue
• Shortened or lengthened next period

When taken early in your cycle, Levonelle may cause a shorter cycle. It might delay or have no effect on your period if taken later in the cycle. Most women will experience their period on time.

Additionally, the morning after pill can cause some spotting or unusual bleeding, which may continue until your next period. If the bleeding is excessive or doesn't stop, or if your period is more than 5 days late, consult a doctor.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is an alternative form of emergency contraception that is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is a small, T-shaped device made of copper and plastic, inserted into the womb (uterus) by a trained healthcare professional.

The copper in the IUD prevents fertilization by stopping the egg from being fertilized or implanted when it meets sperm. It can be used as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected sex, with better effectiveness the sooner it is used.

An IUD is also a long-term contraception option, lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Some potential side effects in the first few months include:

• Mild to moderate pain during insertion
• Spotting or irregular bleeding
• Heavier periods
• Painful periods

When properly inserted, an IUD carries a very low risk of infection. However, there is a small risk that the device could move or be expelled from the womb, so your healthcare provider will guide you on how to check its placement.

If you decide to have the IUD removed, its effects are easily reversed, and fertility returns immediately. While it is a safe and effective form of contraception, the IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect against STIs, condoms should be used in addition to the IUD.

Can you get pregnant after taking the morning after pill?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant after taking the morning after pill, though it is uncommon. The effectiveness of the pill depends on how soon it is taken after unprotected sex. ellaOne is 98% effective, and Levonelle is 95% effective if taken within the first 24 hours. A review in 2017 showed that 0.6 to 2.6% of women who took Levonelle and 1 to 2% of those who took ellaOne still became pregnant. The timing of ovulation in your menstrual cycle also impacts its effectiveness, as the pill works best if taken before ovulation occurs.

What happens if I take the morning after pill when pregnant?

The morning after pill will not affect an existing pregnancy. It is only effective in preventing pregnancy within the first 5 days after unprotected sex. Taking it during pregnancy will not cause an abortion or increase the risk of birth defects.

Can I take my normal contraceptive pill at the same time as the morning after pill?

If you've used the morning after pill due to a problem with your regular contraception (e.g., missed pills), you can resume your regular contraceptive pill after taking emergency contraception. For ellaOne, wait at least 5 days before resuming your contraceptive pill. For Levonelle, you can resume your normal contraceptive pill within 12 hours. Note that your regular contraception may not be immediately effective, so use additional precautions (e.g., condoms) until advised otherwise by your doctor.

Is it safe to breastfeed and take the morning after pill?

• ellaOne: It is recommended to avoid breastfeeding for at least 1 week after taking ellaOne, as its effects on breast milk are not yet fully understood.
• Levonelle: It is safe to take while breastfeeding, as only a small amount of the hormone passes into breast milk, which is not thought to be harmful to babies.

I’ve just had a baby. Do I need to take the morning after pill?

You can get pregnant within weeks of giving birth, even if you are breastfeeding and have not had your first period. Ovulation can occur as early as 2 weeks before your period starts. The morning after pill can be used at any time after childbirth, following guidelines about breastfeeding.

I've just had a miscarriage/abortion. Can I take the morning after pill?

If you have unprotected sex after a miscarriage or abortion, you can still become pregnant. You may take the morning after pill if you’ve had unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

Will my weight affect the morning after pill?

Weight and BMI can impact the effectiveness of the morning after pill. The FSRH Clinical Guideline notes that a higher BMI may reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraception, particularly Levonelle. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and it’s advisable to consult a doctor for personalized guidance.

Can I get the emergency contraceptive pill in advance?

Yes, you can order the morning after pill in advance, especially if you're planning to travel, are concerned about contraception failure, or want to ensure it’s readily available. Emergency contraception can be purchased online or over the counter at most pharmacies. You can consult with our online doctors for more information.

• ellaOne Package Leaflet: Information for the User (2018) HRA Pharma [Accessed 24-06-21]
• Emergency Contraception (2018) Terrence Higgins Trust [Accessed 24-06-21]
• Emergency Contraception Review: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Clinicians (2015) Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology [Accessed 24-06-21]
• FSRH Clinical Guideline: Emergency Contraception (March 2017, amended December 2020) FSRH [Accessed 24-06-21]
• How Effective Is Emergency Contraception? (2019) NHS [Accessed 24-06-21]
• Maternal Use of Oral Contraceptives and Risk of Birth Defects in Denmark: Prospective, Nationwide Cohort Study (2016) BMJ [Accessed 24-06-21]
• The Efficacy of Intrauterine Devices for Emergency Contraception: A Systematic Review of 35 Years of Experience (2012) Human Reproduction [Accessed 24-06-21]
• Ulipristal Acetate versus Levonorgestrel for Emergency Contraception: A Randomised Non-Inferiority Trial and Meta-Analysis (2010) The Lancet [Accessed 24-06-21]