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Home / Emergency Contraception

Types of emergency contraception

First type (containing progestin)

Levonelle is one of the leading medicines in this category of pills that primarily contain a hormone called progestin. You need to take a pill as soon as possible after sex to reduce your risk of pregnancy. To make the best use of these it's a good idea to consult your gynecologist. This option is effective up to 3 days (72 hours) after having sex, although it is most effective when taken immediately afterwards.

Second type (with ulipristal acetate)

ellaOne, which contains ulipristal acetate, is a progesterone-only oral contraceptive pill available in the EU. It is a well-tolerated drug and has been found to be very effective for up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex. As with all emergency solutions, the sooner you take it the more effective it is.

Effectiveness of emergency contraception

The effectiveness of these pills has been backed by various studies. They are very effective if taken on the first or second day after sex but begin to lose effectiveness after that. The longer the timeframe between contraceptive failure and using this medication, the more you increase your chance of becoming pregnant. It's important to understand that none of the emergency contraception on the market can promise 100% success in terms of being able to avoid pregnancy but the rate of failure is not very high.

To judge the effectiveness of using one of these options, you must wait for your next menstrual period. If it doesn't occur within 2-4 weeks of having taken the pill, you might be pregnant and need to undergo a pregnancy test.

Side effects

The most common side effect of taking this medication is nausea or headache. Other side effects can include stomach ache, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Most symptoms aren't bothersome and only last for a short time. Frequently, patients suffer from no side effects at all.

Safety information

Before taking this pill consult your gynecologist or doctor. He/she can be the best person to advise you as to whether it is the right option for you or not. Before taking it, make sure that you aren't allergic to any of the ingredients of this medication. A doctor may recommend that you don't use this medication if you are suffering from a condition of the bowel/gut which can result in malabsorption. A woman suffering liver disease is also advised against taking this. Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter.

View all treatments

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Up to 3 days

Levonelle is effective up to 72 hours after sex. It's more effective the sooner you take it.

Levonelle
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£39.99
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Up to 5 days

ellaOne is effective for up to 120 hours after sex. It's more effective the sooner you take it.

ellaOne
Prices from
£49.99
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FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

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Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

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Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

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Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

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