What to do if you need the morning after pill?
Live in Epsom or Ewell and need advice and support around emergency contraception? We’ve got you covered.
The topic of emergency contraception can be sensitive and challenging for many women. If you have found yourself in a situation where you need emergency contraception and you live in or near Epsom or Ewell, it’s important to know your options and where to turn for help.
The sooner you use emergency contraception, the more effective it is likely to be.
With so many online options available, it can be tempting to order emergency contraception online. However, there are many benefits of going to a chemist for emergency contraception rather than ordering online.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of a face-to-face consultation and why Ricky’s Pharmacy in Epsom is the ideal choice for women in need of emergency contraception.
- Personal advice and consultation: When you go to a chemist for emergency contraception, you’ll get expert advice and guidance from highly trained professionals who care about your well-being. They can answer any questions you may have, provide you with clear information about your options, and guide you towards the right product for you. In contrast, when you order online, you don’t get the same level of personal care and support. You may feel isolated and unsure of yourself, which is not ideal when you need emergency contraception.
- Quick and convenient service: Ricky’s Pharmacy offers a quick and easy service for women in need of emergency contraception. You don’t need to make an appointment or wait for long periods. You can walk in and get the support you need when you need it. In contrast, if you order online, you may have to wait for days or even weeks for your product to arrive, which can be stressful and worrying.
- Confidentiality and privacy: At Ricky’s Pharmacy, we understand that emergency contraception can be a sensitive and private matter for many women. That’s why we offer complete confidentiality and privacy for all our customers. You don’t need to worry about your personal details being shared with anyone else. When you order online, there’s a risk that your personal information could be compromised, which can be unnerving.
- Additional advice and support: Ricky’s Pharmacy doesn’t just offer emergency contraception. We also provide additional advice, support, and resources to help you make informed decisions about your sexual health. If you have any concerns or questions, we’re always here to help and guide you towards the right resources. When you order online, you don’t get the same level of support and guidance.
- Expertise and experience: Finally, it’s important to remember that the team at Ricky’s Pharmacy are highly trained professionals with years of experience in advising and supporting women with their sexual health needs. When you choose Ricky’s Pharmacy for emergency contraception, you’re choosing a team that understands your needs and knows how to help you. When you order online, you may not get that same level of expertise and experience.
- Trust and reliability: When it comes to emergency contraception, it’s always best to choose a trusted and reliable pharmacy like Ricky’s Pharmacy. With convenient in-store access, complete confidentiality and privacy, additional advice and support, and a team of experts with years of experience, you can rest assured that your sexual health needs will be taken care of efficiently and effectively.
How to ask for the morning-after pill
If you’re wondering how to ask for the morning-after pill, don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward process. Whether you need to make an appointment, chat with us, or contact us via the website, there’s nothing to be concerned about.
If you prefer some privacy, you can even ask to be in a private room when getting it over the counter – we offer this at Rickys Pharmacy. Remember if you are unsure of which is the best morning-after pill to take we’ve got more resources for you online.
Things to consider when taking the emergency contraceptive pill?
- If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, they may not be effective. Contact us immediately.
- While emergency contraceptive pills can be used more than once in a monthly cycle, they are not intended for frequent use. Consider a routine contraception option for long-term needs.
- It does not protect future unprotected sex. Explore long-term contraceptive options.
- Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Since the morning-after pill is not 100% effective, it may be wise to take a pregnancy test, especially if your next period is lighter or shorter than usual or if it does not arrive.
- Emergency contraception does not work if you are already pregnant
Do you have to answer questions to get the morning-after pill?
Now, let’s address a common question: Do you have to answer some questions to get the morning-after pill?
Yes, you’ll be asked a few questions to ensure it’s suitable for you. Think of it like the questions your GP might ask during a regular appointment.
Just a few simple questions to make sure everything is good to go!
- We may ask about your contraception methods
- Why you need emergency contraception
- How long has it been since unprotected sex, your period, the possibility of pregnancy, and any medical conditions or medications you’re currently taking?
We get it, emergency contraception can be a sensitive and challenging issue for many women. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! It’s important to know your options and where to turn to for assistance if you need to urgently get hold of the morning-after pill.
And while online ordering may seem convenient, there are numerous benefits to visiting a friendly chemist like Ricky’s Pharmacy in Epsom for emergency contraception.
When you come to us, you’ll receive personalised advice and consultation, quick and convenient service, complete confidentiality and privacy, additional support and guidance, and the expertise and experience you deserve.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of emergency contraception, just come on down to Ricky’s Pharmacy, we’re located 1-2, Market Parade, High St in Epsom. We’re here for you every step of the way!
Resources & Links:
- NHS Emergency Contraception Guide
- Planned Parenthood – What kind of emergency Contraception is best for me?
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s first start with the question on everyone’s mind: what is the morning after pill? Also known as emergency contraception, it is a pill that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
The pill works by delaying ovulation or preventing the egg from being fertilized. It’s essential to note that the morning after pill shouldn’t be confused with the abortion pill.
Emergency contraception can only prevent pregnancy, and it cannot terminate an existing pregnancy.
The most effective morning after pill depends on when you take it. According to Planned Parenthood, the morning after pill is up to 89% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. But, the effectiveness drops to about 75% if taken within 72-120 hours of unprotected sex.
It is essential to understand that the morning after pill does not work if you are already pregnant. It is also not a form of regular birth control and should not be taken as a replacement for contraceptives.
The morning after pill is most effective if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, it can still be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after sex, although its effectiveness will decrease. So, the timing of when you take the morning after pill is crucial.
But, keep in mind that the morning after pill is not a replacement for regular contraception. It is only meant to be used in emergencies if other methods of contraception fail. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
If you forget to take your regular contraception or experience a condom malfunction, it’s essential to consider taking the morning after pill as soon as possible. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. The 72-hour window is your best chance to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
The morning after pill and the abortion pill are not the same thing. While the morning after pill prevents pregnancy, the abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already begun. It’s also important to remember that the morning after pill is not an alternative to regular contraception and should not be used as a regular form of birth control.
Most people know that you can get the morning after pill from your GP, however did you know the morning after pill has been available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and health clinics for several years now including at Ricky’s Pharmacy?
Rest assured, your health record won’t include any mention of the morning after pill. The only time we’d ever need to discuss it again is if you happen to feel unwell within 3 hours of taking it. Stay safe and worry-free!
Taking the emergency contraceptive pills Levonelle or ellaOne can cause some side effects like headaches, tummy pain, and feeling or being sick. It’s possible that it may also affect your next period, making it earlier, later, or more painful than usual.
If you happen to be sick (vomit) within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, it’s a good idea to visit your GP, pharmacist, or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. They can provide guidance and help, whether it means taking another dose or having an IUD fitted.
The morning after pill is not intended for regular use as a form of contraception. It is designed to be used in emergency situations and should not be used regularly as a replacement for other birth control methods.
Using the morning after pill on a regular basis can lead to side effects such as irregular periods, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Moreover, the long-term effects of consistent use of the morning after pill are not well known. It is always better to talk to your healthcare provider about a stable form of birth control to avoid unintended pregnancies.
There are many forms of birth control that are safe and effective for regular use. These include birth control pills, IUDs, implantable devices, contraceptive injections, contraceptive patches and condoms. It is recommended to talk to your healthcare provider about which birth control method is best for your lifestyle and preferences.
The morning-after pill isn’t a permanent form of birth control. It won’t harm your chances of getting pregnant in the future or affect your fertility. These medications are a temporary way to prevent pregnancy — they aren’t long-term forms of birth control. You’ve got options!
We stock legally valid and medically tested emergency hormonal contraception.
