What is EllaOne?
EllaOne is a form of emergency contraception that comes in tablets. It can be taken up to five days after having unprotected sex, but the earlier you take it, the higher the chances of it being effective.
Emergency contraception is a method of birth control used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex occurs. But even if it’s taken within the ideal timeframe, there is a chance that it won’t work as expected. Regular contraception methods are much more effective and you shouldn’t replace them with emergency contraception. EllaOne also won’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only barrier methods of contraception like condoms can do that.
How does EllaOne work?
The active ingredient in EllaOne, ulipristal acetate, protects you from becoming pregnant by changing how progesterone in your body works. It does this in three ways. It prevents or delays the ovaries from releasing an egg, it makes your uterine wall thinner, whilst also making your cervical fluid thicker, so sperm can’t move through it as easily.
What doses of EllaOne are there?
EllaOne is a single dose, 30mg treatment. It’s not effective if you’re already pregnant, and it’s not a regular form of contraception. It should only be used if you’ve had unprotected sex, if you or your partner’s condom broke, or if you didn’t take your contraceptive pill the way you should.