ella is an emergency contraceptive pill that can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Known for its higher effectiveness compared to other morning-after pills like Plan B, ella requires a prescription in most cases. If you’re looking for where to buy ella pill, it’s crucial to act quickly. Like all emergency contraception, ella is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
How Effective is the Ella Morning-After Pill?
Ella is a highly effective form of emergency contraception. It reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 85% when taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. It’s important to remember that effectiveness is linked to timing; the sooner you take ella, the better it works. Notably, ella stands out as the most effective morning-after pill available on the market today.
For individuals weighing over 165 pounds, ella maintains its effectiveness better than other morning-after pill options. However, its effectiveness may be reduced for those weighing 195 pounds or more. To determine the most suitable emergency contraception method for your specific situation, consider taking an emergency contraception quiz.
Alt text: Woman thoughtfully considering options, with text overlay suggesting an emergency contraception quiz to find the best method.
How Do I Take the Ella Morning-After Pill?
To use ella effectively, take it orally as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Simply swallow the tablet whole, just as you would any other pill. For detailed instructions, always refer to the information leaflet included in the product packaging.
It’s crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage. Taking more than one ella pill at a time will not enhance its pregnancy prevention capabilities but may increase the likelihood of experiencing nausea. Stick to a single dose for optimal results and to minimize potential side effects.
When Should I Take Ella?
While you have a 5-day window to take ella after unprotected sex, time is of the essence. If you find yourself in need of emergency contraception, prioritize getting ella as quickly as you can. Prompt action significantly increases its effectiveness.
The reason for this urgency lies in how ella works. It primarily functions by delaying ovulation until sperm are no longer viable. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for several days, awaiting an egg. If ovulation has already occurred before taking ella, the medication will not be effective. Since pinpointing the exact moment of ovulation can be challenging, taking ella sooner rather than later maximizes the chances of preventing ovulation before it happens.
What Steps Should I Take After Using Ella?
If your period does not start within three weeks after taking ella, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. This will help determine whether or not the emergency contraception was effective.
In situations where you require emergency contraception again within the same menstrual cycle, specifically within 5 days of taking ella, it’s important to use ella again, rather than Plan B or other levonorgestrel-based morning-after pills. Ella is recommended for repeat use in close succession if needed.
If you’ve taken ella and are considering initiating a new hormonal birth control method, wait for 6 days after the instance of unprotected sex before starting your new method. During these initial 6 days, and until your new hormonal birth control becomes fully effective, use a barrier method of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy.
For breastfeeding mothers who take ella, it’s advised to pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours following ella intake. This precaution is specific to ella, and is not necessary with other types of emergency contraception. Therefore, consider this if you are breastfeeding and exploring emergency contraception options.
Alt text: Illustration of condoms, highlighting their role as a backup contraception method.
Using Ella in Conjunction with Other Birth Control Methods
If you’ve experienced a mishap with your regular birth control pill, patch, or ring and are uncertain about the need for emergency contraception, utilizing an online quiz designed for missed birth control doses can be helpful. These tools can guide you on whether emergency contraception is necessary.
Should you require ella due to an error with your birth control pill, ring, or patch, you can generally resume your regular method immediately after taking ella.
However, if you were more than 7 days late in replacing your pill, ring, or patch when you took ella, it’s recommended to wait 6 days after unprotected sex before restarting your hormonal birth control. During these 6 days, and for the subsequent period until your regular birth control is effective again, use a backup method like condoms.
Similarly, if you were new to the pill, ring, or patch and had been using it for less than a week when a birth control lapse occurred, follow the same guidance: wait 6 days post-unprotected sex to restart, and use backup contraception in the interim.
For those using the birth control shot, and it has been more than 15 weeks since your last injection, wait 6 days after unprotected sex before getting your next shot. Employ a backup method, such as condoms, for these 6 days and for the first week after receiving your shot.
If you have further questions about restarting your regular birth control method after taking ella, online tools or consultations with a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice.
Are There Side Effects Associated with Ella?
Ella is considered a very safe medication, and significant side effects are uncommon. There have been no documented reports of serious complications arising from taking ella.
After taking ella, it’s normal to observe changes in your next menstrual period. It might start earlier or later than usual, and the flow may be heavier, lighter, or spottier than your typical period. Alternatively, your period might remain unchanged. These variations are temporary and not a cause for concern.
Less commonly, some individuals may experience a headache or upset stomach after taking the morning-after pill. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking ella, the medication may not be absorbed properly and you will need to take another dose to ensure effectiveness.
Where Can I Get Ella?
To obtain ella, you will need a prescription from a healthcare provider. There are several convenient ways to get a prescription and access ella quickly when you need it. You can visit your doctor, a local health clinic, or Planned Parenthood.
Increasingly, telemedicine options are available, allowing you to consult with a doctor online and receive a prescription remotely. This can be a particularly fast way to get a prescription for ella. Once you have a prescription, you can fill it at a local pharmacy.
For those wondering specifically about “Ella Pill Where To Buy”, pharmacies are the primary point of purchase once you have a prescription. It is advisable to call your pharmacy beforehand to ensure they have ella in stock, as not all pharmacies may carry it regularly.
What is the Cost of the Ella Morning-After Pill?
The cost of ella typically starts around $50 or more at pharmacies and drugstores. However, if you have health insurance, ella may be available to you at no cost or low cost. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans are required to cover prescription contraception, including emergency contraception, and related doctor’s visits without cost-sharing. This coverage extends to Medicaid plans as well.
To understand your coverage for ella, it’s best to speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or health insurance provider directly. They can provide specific details about your plan’s coverage for prescription emergency contraception.
Furthermore, you may be able to access ella at reduced or no cost from Planned Parenthood health centers, local health departments, or other family planning clinics. Contact your nearest health center to inquire about options for obtaining affordable emergency contraception. Staff at Planned Parenthood centers can also assist in determining if your insurance will cover the cost of your morning-after pill.
Given the importance of timing with emergency contraception, and the time it may take to get a prescription, it’s recommended to proactively call your doctor or a Planned Parenthood health center as soon as possible if you need ella.
For future planning, consider asking your doctor for an ella prescription during your next routine appointment. Keeping it in your medicine cabinet ensures that it’s readily available should an emergency arise. This preparedness allows you to take ella promptly if needed, without the added stress of needing to get a prescription under pressure.
Are There Medications That Can Affect Ella’s Effectiveness?
Yes, certain medications and supplements can reduce how well ella works. It’s important to be aware of these potential interactions. These include:
- The antibiotic Rifampin (note that other antibiotics do not have this effect)
- The antifungal Griseofulvin (other antifungals are not known to interfere with ella)
- Certain medications used to treat HIV
- Specific anti-seizure medications, which are sometimes also used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder
- The herbal supplement St. John’s Wort
When obtaining your prescription for ella, inform your nurse or doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking. This will allow them to assess whether ella is the most appropriate option for you given your current medication regimen and advise accordingly.
