Bathgate Pharmacy
Emergency Contraception
At Bathgate Pharmacy, we know that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Whether it’s a missed contraceptive pill, a condom that failed, or unprotected sex, unexpected situations can happen. That’s why we’re here to provide you with timely, professional support through our Emergency Contraception service, specifically offering the morning-after pill, which is free of charge in Scotland under the NHS.
Our pharmacists are highly trained to offer you the advice, care, and support you need when seeking emergency contraception. We understand that it can be a stressful and sensitive situation, so we aim to provide a discreet and confidential service to help you make the best decision for your health.
What Is the Morning-After Pill?
The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Despite its name, the morning-after pill can be taken up to several days after the event, depending on the type of pill. At Bathgate Pharmacy, we provide the most common types of morning-after pills available in the UK, and they are free to all women, 13 and over, in Scotland.
Emergency contraception should not be used as a regular method of contraception but is there for those times when your usual method has failed or wasn’t used.
Types of Morning-After Pills Available
At Bathgate Pharmacy, we provide two types of morning-after pills:
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) – This pill contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which works by preventing or delaying ovulation. Levonelle is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 12 hours, but it can still be effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after.
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) – This is another type of morning-after pill that contains ulipristal acetate, which works by delaying the release of an egg (ovulation). ellaOne can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and is considered more effective than Levonelle, especially if more than 72 hours have passed.
How Does the Morning-After Pill Work?
Both types of morning-after pills work by temporarily altering the hormonal process that leads to ovulation. In simpler terms, they help to stop or delay the release of an egg from the ovaries, meaning there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize, which prevents pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that the morning-after pill won’t terminate an existing pregnancy, and it is not an abortion pill. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When Should You Take the Morning-After Pill?
For the best chance of preventing pregnancy, you should take the morning-after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Both Levonelle and ellaOne are more effective the earlier they are taken:
- Levonelle should be taken within 72 hours (3 days), but the sooner, the better.
- ellaOne can be taken within 120 hours (5 days), offering a longer window of effectiveness.
Even if you’re unsure whether you need it, it’s better to take the morning-after pill sooner rather than later. Our pharmacists at Bathgate Pharmacy are here to provide guidance and help you choose the most suitable option for your circumstances.
How Effective Is the Morning-After Pill?
While the morning-after pill is highly effective, it is not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Its effectiveness depends on how quickly it is taken after unprotected sex:
- Levonelle is about 95% effective when taken within 24 hours, but this reduces to around 58% when taken between 48-72 hours.
- ellaOne maintains a consistently higher effectiveness, offering 98-99% effectiveness up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
The sooner you take the pill, the more effective it will be.
How to Get the Morning-After Pill at Bathgate Pharmacy
At Bathgate Pharmacy, we offer free access to the morning-after pill through the NHS for women in Scotland. To obtain emergency contraception from us, follow these simple steps:
Visit Us In-Store: You can walk into our pharmacy during our opening hours and speak with one of our pharmacists. No appointment is necessary, and the service is confidential.
Private Consultation: You will have a private consultation with one of our pharmacists, who will ask a few questions about your health and the timing of unprotected sex. This is to ensure the emergency contraception is appropriate for you and to provide any additional advice you may need.
Receive Your Medication: If suitable, you will be given the morning-after pill, along with instructions on how to take it. Our pharmacists will also discuss what to expect and any potential side effects.
Aftercare: Our pharmacists can advise you on future contraception options and provide information on sexual health services if needed.
Confidential Support
At Bathgate Pharmacy, we believe that your health decisions are your own. Our emergency contraception service is designed to be discreet and confidential. We’re here to provide professional, non-judgmental advice to help you make the best choices for your reproductive health.
You can trust our experienced pharmacists to treat your situation with understanding and care. Whether you have questions about the morning-after pill or need support on other aspects of contraception, we’re here for you.
Visit Us Today
If you need emergency contraception, don’t wait. Visit Bathgate Pharmacy today for a private and confidential consultation. Our trained pharmacists are here to help you take control of your reproductive health.
For more information, contact us or visit our pharmacy in person. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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