Your guide to Levonelle emergency contraceptive

Levonelle is one of the top seeded emergency contraceptive pills on the UK market, fast becoming a tough competitor of ellaOne. This article provides you with relevant information on usage, dosage and side effects of Levonelle. 

Terms such as 'birth control', 'contraception', and 'unsafe sex' may sound odd  to women who want to enjoy life to the fullest and in the most light-hearted manner imaginable. But, as there is nothing wrong in living a life on your own terms, you cannot also deny the troubles such a lifestyle can cause at the most inappropriate of moments. Years back, women had no other options but to go for abortions to terminate unwanted pregnancies. But times have changed since and a large number of emergency contraceptive pills are now available on the UK market to let you prevent conception after something goes wrong during sex. Speaking of emergency contraception in the United Kingdom and one of the names many young women have put their trust on is Levonelle (levonorgestrel).

What is Levonelle?
Levonelle, also known as the mini pill or morning after pill, is an oral contraception to be used in emergency. It is available in the standard dosage of 1500mcg and indicated to be taken within 72 hours from unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure of any kind. It is progestin-only formulation, implying that it contains a synthetic version of one of the naturally occurring female hormones, progesterone. Unlike regular contraceptive pills or the “pills”, you do not have to take Levonelle everyday to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

The mini pill Levonelle works by stopping ovulation and fertilisation. Its exact mode of operation is not so well defined, but most experts admit that the active ingredient of this medicine makes the cervical mucus thick to prevent sperms from reaching the womb. It is also believed that the synthetic hormone present in Levonelle changes the womb lining, which makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to get implanted there.

Does Levonelle give 100% guarantee that I won't get pregnant?
No method of contraception – be it emergency or regular – is 100% safe and effective. But on a more positive note, about 95 out of 100 women taking Levonelle within 24 hours from sex can prevent pregnancy. The success rate of this pill reduces with time and it's been observed that Levonelle is about 58% effective on the 3rd day.

The secret to maximise Levonelle's preventive action is to take it immediately after sex. Put differently, you should not wait until the next morning. Also, take a pill even if your partner has not ejaculated inside you. Remember to take the mini pill only after sex.

Who can buy Levonelle?
The great news about these emergency contraceptive pills is that any woman of childbearing age can buy them with expert consent. As for Levonelle, it is recommended for women aged 16 years or above. You need to have a prescription to buy Levonelle.

What are the side effects of Levonelle?
Levonelle has made a niche for itself, thanks to its progestin-only formulation. Many women cannot tolerate the oestrogen content in combined hormonal contraceptives and pills such as Levonelle and ellaOne are a blessing for them. Having said that, using this emergency contraceptive pill can cause certain side effects, including inconsistent bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, breast tenderness and period-related complications. Talk to your doctor  to find out what you can do to deal with these side effects.

Article Tags: Emergency Contraceptive, Contraceptive Pills, Mini Pill

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