A Comparison Guide To The Morning After Pill: Should I Choose Levonelle or ellaOne?

Accidents happen, and sometimes contraception doesn't work as planned. Whether you forget to use a condom, it breaks, or it comes off during sex, it's essential to know your options. The morning after pill is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. In this guide, we'll compare two of the most popular morning after pills, Levonelle and ellaOne, to help you choose the right option for your needs.

Key Takeaways

What It Does

The morning after pill is emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It delays ovulation or stops sperm from fertilising an egg. It’s not for regular use and should only be used in emergencies.

Types of Pills

Levonelle: Works up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but is most effective within 12 hours, with an 84% effectiveness rate.

ellaOne: Can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex and remains 95% effective throughout the window.

Choosing the Right Pill

Levonelle is suitable if you can take it quickly (within 12 hours).

ellaOne is ideal if you need more time or can't take the pill immediately.

Both options are available at UK Meds, with Levonelle requiring a prescription and ellaOne available over the counter. Always consult a healthcare professional if unsure.

What Is the Morning After Pill?

The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Unlike regular contraceptive methods, such as the pill or the IUD, the morning after pill is taken after the fact. It contains synthetic hormones that can delay or alter your menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy.

Though it is a valuable option when accidents happen, it is essential to note that the morning after pill is not a regular form of contraception and should only be used in emergencies.

Levonelle

Levonelle is one of the most commonly used morning after pills. It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and can also stop sperm from fertilising an egg if ovulation has already occurred.

How Does Levonelle Work?

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works by:

• Preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries (if taken before ovulation).

• Impeding sperm from fertilising an egg if it has already been released.

When Should You Take Levonelle?

Levonelle is effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait. For the best chance of preventing pregnancy, it should be taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex. After 72 hours, Levonelle is much less effective, and the chances of preventing pregnancy drop significantly.

Effectiveness

Levonelle has an 84% effectiveness rate overall, but it’s most effective when taken early—preferably within the first 12 hours of unprotected sex.

How to Obtain Levonelle

Levonelle requires a prescription in the UK. You can consult a doctor or a healthcare provider to get a prescription. However, UK Meds offers an online prescription service, where you can receive the medication with a free consultation, meaning the price you pay is the final price without hidden fees.

ellaOne

ellaOne is another popular morning after pill. It contains ulipristal acetate, a substance that postpones ovulation, making it more difficult for sperm to fertilise an egg.

How Does ellaOne Work?

ellaOne works similarly to Levonelle by delaying or preventing ovulation. However, it offers a longer window of opportunity and may be a better option for those who have had unprotected sex in the last few days.

When Should You Take ellaOne?

The key difference between ellaOne and Levonelle is the time window. You can take ellaOne up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, offering more flexibility if you’ve missed the initial 12-hour window.

Effectiveness

ellaOne maintains an effective rate of 95% throughout the 5-day window, unlike Levonelle, which becomes less effective the longer you wait. This extended timeframe makes ellaOne a popular choice for women who may have trouble accessing the morning after pill immediately after unprotected sex.

How to Obtain ellaOne

Unlike Levonelle, ellaOne does not require a prescription and can be purchased directly from pharmacies, including online retailers like UK Meds. The ease of access and the longer window for use makes ellaOne a convenient option for many.

Key Differences Between Levonelle vs ellaOne

What Should You Do After Taking the Morning After Pill?

While the morning after pill is highly effective, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’ve had unprotected sex, it’s essential to get tested for STIs. You can visit a sexual health clinic, use a self-test kit, or consult your GP for testing.

Additionally, while the morning after pill is a reliable form of emergency contraception, it's important to monitor your menstrual cycle. If your period is late, take a pregnancy test to confirm whether the pill was effective.

If you find yourself needing emergency contraception regularly, it may be worth exploring other, more reliable long-term contraceptive methods such as the contraceptive pill, IUD, patch, or vaginal ring.

Final Thoughts: Which Pill Should I Choose?

Choosing between Levonelle and ellaOne depends on your personal circumstances. If you know you can take the pill within 12 hours, Levonelle may be a good option. However, if you want a longer window of time and a higher level of effectiveness, ellaOne might be the better choice.

Both pills are highly effective and can help prevent pregnancy in an emergency, but it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are unsure which option is best for you.

For more information or to purchase your morning after pill, UK Meds offers both Levonelle and ellaOne along with an easy online consultation service. Always follow the instructions carefully and seek professional advice if you have any concerns.