Having access to safe emergency contraception is crucial in the current world. Women have options like the Levonelle contraceptive pill to prevent an undesired pregnancy, regardless of the cause—unprotected intercourse, missed birth control tablets, or failed contraceptives. This thorough guide covers all the information you require regarding the Levonelle contraceptive pill, including how to use it, how effective it is, when to use it, and any possible negative effects.

What Is the Levonelle Contraceptive Pill?

One kind of emergency contraception that is intended to prevent pregnancy during unprotected sexual activity is the Levonelle pill. Levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that resembles progesterone, is its active ingredient. The main way that Levonelle functions is by preventing or postponing ovulation, which is the ovary’s release of an egg.

It is meant to serve as a backup method if primary methods are forgotten or fail, not as a regular form of contraception.

How Does the Levonelle Contraceptive Pill Work?

The way the Levonelle pill functions is by:

Stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg is known as preventing ovulation.

Cervical mucous thickening: This makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.

Modifying the lining of the uterus reduces the likelihood that a fertilized egg will implant.

Timing is crucial since Levonelle may not work if ovulation has already occurred.

When Should You Take Levonelle?

Levonelle starts working three days or 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Within a day: 95% successful

85% effective in 25–48 hours

From 49 to 72 hours: 58% efficacious

It is accessible for emergency usage because it is available without a prescription in many nations, including the UK and parts of Europe.

Who Can Use the Levonelle Contraceptive Pill?

The Levonelle contraceptive pill is suitable for the majority of women, including:

Reproductive-age women
Women who are unable to use contraceptives based on estrogen
Mothers who are nursing (with certain restrictions)

If it occurs:

You have a levonorgestrel allergy.
You are already expecting a child.
You’ve experienced inexplicable vaginal bleeding.

If in doubt, always seek advice from a pharmacist or medical professional.

Levonelle vs EllaOne: What’s the Difference?

Although both are emergency contraceptive pills, they differ in a few significant ways:

EllaOne might work a little better for ladies who are overweight or obese. But for many, Levonelle is still a reliable and popular choice.

Side Effects of the Levonelle Contraceptive Pill

The Levonelle contraceptive pill is generally well tolerated by women, but some may have adverse effects like:

Feeling queasy
Weariness
Lightheadedness
A headache
Tenderness of the breasts
Pain in the abdomen

You should take another dose of Levonelle or get in touch with your doctor if you throw up within two hours of taking it.

What to Expect After Taking Levonelle

Come sooner or later than normal.

Be more or less heavy

Cause slight discomfort or cramps

To determine whether the pill was effective, you should get a pregnancy test if your period is abnormally light or heavy, or if it is more than seven days late.

Does Levonelle Affect Future Fertility?

No, Fertility is unaffected in the long run by using the Levonelle contraceptive pill. Usually, within a month, your cycle returns to normal. However, as Levonelle is less effective than continuous birth control and can interfere with your natural cycle if taken frequently, you should not use it as your primary method of birth control.

Can You Take Levonelle More Than Once?

Although you can use the Levonelle contraceptive pill more than once, you shouldn’t use it as your primary form of pregnancy control. Regular use could:

Interfere with your menstrual cycle.
Decrease the overall efficacy of contraception
Induce an imbalance in hormones

If you routinely use Levonelle, think about discussing long-term contraceptive options with your doctor, such as:

Birth control tablets
IUDs
Implants
Patches

Interactions with Other Medications

The following drugs may lessen the Levonelle contraceptive pill’s effectiveness:

Medication for epilepsy (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin)
HIV drugs
Drugs for tuberculosis (such as rifampicin)
Herbal cures such as St. John’s Wort

Consult your doctor about other options or taking Levonelle twice under supervision if you are taking any of these.

What Happens If Levonelle Fails?

If you take it and still get pregnant:

The tablet does not endanger the pregnancy.

Seek quick expert medical advice.

Pregnancy tests can identify pregnancy approximately three weeks after the event, but if your period is much later, get tested sooner.

Can You Drink Alcohol After Taking Levonelle?

Indeed, drinking alcohol does not lessen the Levonelle contraceptive pill’s effectiveness. However, drinking too much alcohol may raise your chance of vomiting, which could render the tablet useless if it happens within two hours of taking it.

Breastfeeding and Levonelle

Although a tiny quantity of the hormone may enter breast milk, levonelle is thought to be safe to use while nursing. To lessen exposure:

Prior to taking the tablet, breastfeed.
After taking it, wait eight hours before nursing again.

By doing this, the baby’s exposure to levonorgestrel is reduced.

How to Get Levonelle

The availability of the Levonelle contraceptive pill may vary depending on where you live:

Pharmacy over-the-counter
Through clinics for sexual health
With telehealth providers’ online prescriptions

Make sure you are buying from a reliable source at all times, particularly when placing an online order.

How Much Does Levonelle Cost?

Region and whether you purchase in-person or online affect prices. Levonelle usually costs between £50 and £60 per dose in the UK. Some clinics provide it for free, especially to those under 25.

Emergency Contraception vs Birth Control

It’s critical to understand the difference between birth control pills and emergency contraception:

Levonelle does not harm an existing embryo or cause miscarriage, and it is ineffective if you are already pregnant.

Common Myths About the Levonelle Contraceptive Pill

Let’s dispel a few myths:

Myth: Fertility is harmed

Fact: There is no proof that it has an impact on long-term fertility.

Myth: It’s only good for one usage.

Fact: it can be used more than once, but not frequently.

Alternatives to Levonelle

Other emergency alternatives to the Levonelle contraceptive tablet include:

The most successful approach is the copper IUD, which can be used up to five days following intercourse.

Talk to your doctor about the best approach for your circumstances and physique.

Tips for Responsible Emergency Contraception

If you engage in sexual activity, always have one dose of Levonelle on hand.

Discuss contraception freely with your spouse.
Additionally, use condoms to avoid STIs.

Final Thoughts

A useful and easily accessible method of avoiding pregnancy following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure is the Levonelle contraceptive pill. When time is crucial, it provides a secure and efficient means of controlling reproductive choices. Levonelle is crucial for women’s autonomy and health, but it cannot replace conventional birth control.

Don’t freak out if you find yourself in need of emergency contraception; just take the right dosage, act quickly, and get help from a doctor when necessary.

Levonelle Contraceptive Pill: Your Complete Guide to Emergency Birth Control

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