ellaOne

ellaOne is a highly effective and relatively new emergency contraceptive pill, also known as the morning-after pill. It can prevent pregnancy up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or the failure of other contraceptives.

More traditional alternatives, such as Levonelle, usually only work for 48-72 hours after intercourse.

Please note - you must order before 4:30 pm (Monday - Friday, excluding bank holidays) to receive next-day delivery. The sooner you take the morning-after pill, the more effective it will be.

Does ellaOne protect against STIs?

No, ellaOne will not protect you against any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse and are worried you might have contracted an STI, you should talk to your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.

When a woman ovulates, the body naturally releases the female hormone progesterone - this hormone prevents further ovulation. ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, a synthetic version of progesterone.

By taking ellaOne, you ‘convince’ your body that ovulation has already taken place, delaying the release of an egg, preventing pregnancy.

In the event that an egg has already been released, ellaOne also increases the thickness of the mucus at the cervix. On top of this, it makes the womb lining thinner so an egg cannot attach itself to it.

This additional effect reduces the chances of sperm entering the womb and also reduces the chances of pregnancy, as an egg is not able to grow in a thinner womb lining.

Will ellaOne work if I'm already pregnant?

No - this medication will not prevent an existing pregnancy. Morning-after pills belong to a completely different set of medicines to the ones used for a termination.

An abortion pill is used when the woman has confirmed they are pregnant, whilst the morning-after pill prevents the woman from getting pregnant in the first place.