There are many misconceptions surrounding emergency contraception, from the obvious to the downright bizarre. Make sure you know the facts not the fiction
Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) is only effective 24 hours after unprotected sex, hence its moniker the 'morning-after-pill'
FALSE
Levonelle One Step® (available over the counter at pharmacies) and Levonelle 1500 which is available on prescription are both 95 per cent effective if taken within 24 hours, 85 per cent effective within 24-48 hours and 58 per cent if taken between 48 and 72 hours after intercourse. Overall, it prevents 84 per cent of unexpected pregnancies if taken within 72 hours.
EHC is the only form of emergency contraception
FALSE
The IUD (intrauterine device), also known as the coil, is another form of emergency contraception that can be fitted up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. It can be fitted by your GP, at a local family planning clinic or sexual health clinic (GUM).
Only teenagers who have one night stands take EHC
FALSE
The average EHC taker is a woman aged 25-29 in a long term relationship of more than three years and who works in an office (Schering Bayer Pharma conducted a study of 1,016 UK women aged 18-35 during February 2007).
You can only use EHC once a year
FALSE
Although it should not be used as a regular method of contraception, there is no evidence that using it more than once a year has any negative long-term effect on your health. However, it is not advisable to take it more than once within one menstrual cycle as it may disrupt your cycle.
You don't need to worry about sexually transmitted diseases if you take EHC
FALSE
EHC does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. You may want to consider using condoms in the future and visiting your nearest GUM clinic for a check-up if you've had unprotected sex.
EHC can affect long-term fertility
FALSE
There is no evidence to suggest EHC can affect long-term fertility.
You can only get EHC through your doctor
FALSE
- You can buy it in the form of Levonelle One Step® over the counter at a pharmacy if you're 16 or over
- You can get it from your doctor, family planning clinic or NHS walk-in centre
EHC involves taking two pills, 12 hours apart
FALSE
Levonelle One Step® has been available in a one-pill formula from your pharmacist since 2004. Levonelle 1500, which is available on prescription, is also now available in a one-pill format.
EHC will make me feel sick
MAYBE
Most women will experience no side-effects after taking Emergency Hormonal Contraception, but a few women (approximately 1 out of 100) will vomit. If you are sick within three hours of taking it, you need to go back to your pharmacist, doctor or family planning clinic for another packet and take the tablet again. If you are sick more than three hours after you originally took the tablet, you do not need to take it again.
You may feel sick or nauseous after taking Levonelle. If you do feel sick, you should take it easy and rest. If the feelings persist, you should contact your doctor or family planning clinic.
Taking EHC is like having an early abortion
FALSE
Levonelle One Step® and Levonelle 1500 do not work if you are already pregnant so if you take the tablet, you won't be terminating a pregnancy.
To be more specific, if a woman has already ovulated and the egg has been fertilised during or after intercourse, Levonelle will, in most cases, prevent that egg from attaching itself to the lining of the womb.
If for whatever reason, the tablet does not work and a woman does become pregnant, there is no evidence that Levonelle harms the foetus in any way.
For more information on EHC, visit www.levonelle.co.uk