Morning after pill myths debunked

As its common name suggests, the morning after pill is designed to be used after someone has had unprotected sex or intercourse with failed contraception. But, as we'll learn later, this commonly used name can also be misleading. Here are some of the myths you need to stop believing:

Myth: It only works the morning after

It is commonly thought that emergency contraception can only be taken in the 24 hours after sex. But it's not true. Some forms can be taken up to five days after sex has taken place. So we'll stop calling it the 'morning after pill' from here on!

Of course, ideally, emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (or failed contraception). One pill called Levonelle® has to be taken within three days of having unprotected sex, whereas another called EllaOne® can be used up to five days after the event. But (and it's a big but) both pills are only effective if taken before ovulation has occurred.

"It's best to try to take a pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but there are all sorts of reasons why it might not be possible to get hold of emergency contraception straightaway - and it's much better to get it later than not at all," Bekki Burbidge,  Deputy Chief Executive at sexual health charity the FPA reveals.

Myth: There's only one type of emergency contraception

For many years, Levonelle was the only type of emergency contraception pill available. But more recently, a second type called EllaOn® has emerged. EllaOne® has the benefit that it can be effective in most women up to five days after having sex, compared to three days for Levonelle®.

It's less commonly known, but there is a third type of emergency contraception that can be used as well. The copper coil (IUCD) is also effective for up to five days after sex has taken place.

Myth: Emergency contraception is always effective

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. How effective emergency contraception is depends on which type you take and how soon after unprotected sex you manage to take it. Both types are very effective if taken in the first 12 to 24 hours after sex, but the effectiveness of Levonelle® declines rapidly once more than 48 hours has lapsed.

Certain medications you might be taking can also alter the effectiveness of your emergency contraception, such as treatments for epilepsy and heartburn and the over-the-counter medication St John's wort.

In addition, emergency contraception pills work by delaying or stopping ovulation (release of an egg), so if taken later in your cycle, after ovulation has occurred, it's unlikely to work.

Myth: You can only get emergency contraception from your doctor

In the UK, emergency contraception is available in a number of different locations. You can get it at most GP surgeries, some sexual health clinics and community contraception clinics as well. In addition, most NHS walk-in centres and accident and emergency departments also stock the emercency contraceptive pill.

Alternatively, most major pharmacies now have it available to buy following a short consultation with the pharmacist and, increasingly, some online doctors offer it as well.

Burbidge explains: "Pills are available for free from your GP and from contraception and sexual health clinics. Pills are also available for free in some pharmacies and this is something we'd like to see become much more widespread."

Myth: You're protected for the rest of your cycle

Taking the emergency contraceptive pill does not protect you from pregnancy later on in your cycle. If you have sex again before you have your period, you would need to use another form of contraception. Emergency contraception is not designed to be used as a regular form of contraception but can be used more than once in a cycle if necessary.

Myth: The most expensive pill must be the most effective

As discussed, there are two main types of emergency contraceptive pill. The active ingredient of the first one, Levonelle®, is the hormone levonorgestrel. There are now non-branded (generic) versions of this medication available in a number of pharmacies. These contain the same amount and type of levonorgestrel and will be equally effective as the more expensive branded version. They are sometimes half the price of the main brand but no less effective.

The other type of pill, EllaOne® is generally a bit more expensive, and there is just the one version available. But evidence suggests it is the more effective of the two, especially if taken more than 48 hours after having sex.

Myth: It will still work if you're sick afterwards

If you are sick within three hours of taking either Levonelle® or EllaOne®, please seek medical advice as you will need a further dose or a different method of emergency contraception. If you have vomited up the medication before it has been absorbed, it is unable to work.

Myth: Taking it too often will affect your fertility

There's no evidence that shows that taking emergency contraception has any long-term effects on your fertility.

Burbidge explains: "You can use emergency pills as often as you need to - this includes taking emergency pills more than once in a menstrual cycle if needed, although it may not be possible to take a different type of pill in the same cycle. Emergency contraception isn't as effective as using other methods regularly however."

It's certainly not a good idea to rely on emergency contraception as your main method of preventing pregnancy though. Speak to your GP or your local sexual health clinic about the contraceptive options available to you.

Myth: It increases the chances of ectopic pregnancy

There is no evidence to suggest that emergency contraceptive pills increase your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Because emergency contraceptive pills reduce your risk of pregnancy, theoretically, they also reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy too.

But occasionally, ectopic pregnancies can still occur after a woman uses an emergency contraceptive pill. If you develop abdominal pain around when your period is due after taking it, please see your doctor.

Accidents happen

Please remember, emergency contraception is something most women need at some point in their lives. Accidents do happen so it is best to be prepared. However, as mentioned before, 'the morning after pill' is not recommended as a long-term contraceptive so it's worth seeing your GP for better options.

If you are concerned about any symptoms after taking the emergency contraceptive pill or are worried about sexually transmitted infections, contact your GP or your local sexual health clinic. And if your period is more than seven days late, is lighter than normal or you develop stomach pain, it is really important to seek medical advice.

For more information about contraception, the FPA has an online resource called Sexwise which is a really great place to start.