Morning after pill myths

Reviewed by our clinical team

There are many myths surrounding the morning after pill and the emergency coil. We asked our doctors to step in and debunk some of the most common misconceptions that are preventing women from seeking out emergency contraception… 

1. Myth: The morning after pill is the only type of emergency contraception.

THE TRUTH: Though most people have only heard of the morning after pill, there are in fact two types of emergency contraception that can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy:

• the morning after pill – also known as the “emergency contraceptive pill”
• the emergency IUD, – also known as “the emergency coil”

How it works

The emergency coil is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a trained medical professional as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It prevents pregnancy by blocking the implantation of a fertilised egg.

The morning after pill is a tablet taken once after unprotected sex that works by preventing fertilisation. Both types are very effective in preventing pregnancy, provided they are used correctly. 

A surprising number of women are reluctant to use emergency contraception. In a survey of 2,000 British women aged 16 to 54 by the Family Planning Association, 35% admitted to having unprotected sex in the past two years when they weren’t trying for a baby. Of these women, only 17% said they had used emergency contraception afterwards. 

Dr Neel Patel: 

“Sperm can live up to 5 days in the vagina after ejaculation. During ovulation the egg has up to 24 hours in which it can be fertilised. The copper in an emergency coil makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive. It can also stop a fertilised egg from being able to implant itself. And be used for long term contraception after it has been fitted." 

2. Myth: The morning after pill is only effective for 24 hours after unprotected sex.

THE TRUTH: The morning after pill can be effective for up to 3-5 days, depending on the type you use (although it is most effective when taken in the first 24 hours). The emergency coil is also effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 5 days. 

Unsurprisingly, two-thirds of women asked thought that the emergency contraceptive pill was only effective ‘the morning after’ sex.

Levonorgestrel (sometimes branded Levonelle), the most commonly used morning after pill, can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 days, while ellaOne can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days. 

Both types of morning after pill will be more effective the sooner they are taken. For example, Levonorgestrel’s efficacy is 95% when taken in less than 24 hours but this drops to 85% when taken up to two days after sex. ellaOne is more effective than Levonorgestrel, when taken in the first three days.

If you have missed your window for emergency contraception, you should take a pregnancy test on the day that your next period is due.

3. Myth: You need a prescription to buy the morning after pill

THE TRUTH: Emergency contraception is available with and without a prescription.  

One-third of the women we surveyed thought you needed a prescription for the morning after pill. Your age and where you get the morning after pill from will determine whether you need a prescription or not. 

4. Myth: You can’t buy the morning after pill if you’re underage

THE TRUTH: You can get the morning after pill for free if you’re under 16.  

If you’re under 16 you can get emergency contraception for free from your local contraception or sexual health clinic, your GP, NHS walk-in centre or most pharmacies.

If you’re 16 or over, you can buy the morning after pill from most pharmacies and Online Doctor services. 

5. Myth: I can’t use EC more than once

THE TRUTH: You can use EC more than once, although it shouldn’t be used as regular contraception.

It’s designed to be used as a one-off when you’ve forgotten another form of contraception, or the condom broke, for example. It also shouldn’t be used more than once during one menstrual cycle. 

If you’re thinking of using it as your main method of contraception you should look at other options. Emergency contraception contains higher levels of hormones compared to the pill.

6. Myth: Using emergency contraception is the same as getting an abortion.

THE TRUTH: Emergency contraception prevents an egg from becoming fertilised after sex or prevents the implantation of a fertilised egg. It stops a pregnancy before it takes place. An abortion terminates a pregnancy that is already in progress – the egg has already been fertilised. It’s carried out during pregnancy.

Half the women surveyed either thought that emergency contraception brought on an abortion or they weren’t sure. This is a very common misconception. Emergency contraception essentially works in the same way as routine contraception. It blocks the processes that lead to fertilisation and implantation of an egg in the first place.  

7. Myth: Emergency contraception makes you infertile.

THE TRUTH: Emergency contraception affects your ability to have a baby for a short time. It doesn’t make you infertile.  

DR Neel Patel: 

“There is no evidence to suggest that repeated use of emergency contraception will make you infertile. Typically, it’s a safe medication that thousands of people use every year.”

Emergency contraception simply prevents pregnancy temporarily. 63% of the women surveyed thought that repeatedly using emergency contraception could make you infertile. While you shouldn't use the morning after pill frequently or in place of other contraception. Using it more than once won't lead to fertility problems. 

8. Myth: Emergency contraception is difficult or embarrassing to get hold of.

THE TRUTH: Emergency contraception is available for free from lots of places, including GP surgeries and contraception clinics. The morning after pill can also be requested through our morning after pill clinic.

43% of women, we surveyed, said they didn't know where to get emergency contraception.

Levonorgestrel, the most used morning after pill, is available for free from contraception clinics, and from the majority of GUM clinics and GP surgeries. There are also certain pharmacies that supply the morning after pill for free.

The emergency coil can also be fitted for free at sexual health centres and contraception clinics.

Order the morning after pill online

Considering that 39% of British women said they felt embarrassed asking for emergency contraception, it’s not surprising that many would avoid using it. If you’ve had unprotected sex recently and don’t want to speak to a pharmacist or doctor face to face (or you would like to order it in advance to be prepared), you can order the morning after pill safely and confidentially through our online service.  

Conclusion

We’ve looked at some of the most common myths and facts surrounding the morning after pill. Helping you feel confident and reassured. If you ever need to use ellaOne or levonorgestrel, you’ll know where you can get it from and when to take it.  

References

https://www.better2know.co.uk/blog/sexual-health-week-2014/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792670/table/