EHC and Bridging Contraception

EHC and Bridging Contraception

What is Emergency Hormonal Contraception?

Emergency contraception comes in tablet form and is taken by a woman to help prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex. Unprotected sex includes when other types of contraception have failed in some way, such as a condom being damaged and ineffective.

At Grahame Pharmacy we are able to offer this service for free. For more details visit us in-store or contact us.

How does Emergency Hormonal Contraception work?

Emergency Hormonal Contraception, or EHC, works by delaying the release of an egg during the ovulation phase of your menstrual cycle. Increasing levels of luteinising hormone (LH) inside your body then triggers ovulation. The higher the levels of LH, the less likely the morning after pill will prevent pregnancy.

So, it’s important that the emergency contraceptive pill is taken in the shortest time possible following unprotected sex for it to be effective.

You can take on of two types of emergency contraception: ellaOne and Levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is less effective once LH levels increase but ellaOne has been shown to still be effective later in the menstrual cycle.

Both types of emergency contraception need to be taken as soon as possible after sexual intercourse, ideally the same day. Whilst emergency contraception need to be collected in-store, you can order and collect the tablets on the same day.

What are the side effects of taking Emergency Contraception?

The common side effects of taking emergency contraception include irregular bleeding, nausea, headaches and abdominal or period pain.

What are Bridging Contraceptives?

At Grahame Pharmacy we are able to provide temporary supply of the progestogen-only pill. Within pharmacies, and wider healthcare settings, this is commonly referred to as bridging contraception. The progestogen-only pill serves to thicken the mucus in the cervix which, in turn, stops sperm reaching an egg. It is also known to stop ovulation, depending on the type of pill you take.

How effective are bridging contraceptives?

Studies have shown that, if taken correctly, bridging contraceptives can be more than 99% effective. However, for the pills to be effective they need to be taken at the same time each day. If taken more than 3 hours late (or 12 hours late if you take a desogestrel pill, such as Cerazette) it may not be effective. Additionally, if you are sick (vomit) or experience severe diarrhoea the progestogen-only pill may not work.

Which option is right for me?

The team at Grahame Pharmacy would be happy to talk through your options. You can either visit us in store at our opening times, or use the contact form here.