New emergency contraceptive, 120 hour window.

Morag

There is a new emergency contraceptive which has been approved for use.
It is called Ella one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulipristal_acetate
http://ec.princeton.edu/pills/ella.html



It can be taken up to 120 hours after intercourse rather then the 72 hour window for what is known as the morning after pill.

The morning after pill is most effective 93% if taken with in 12 hours, and how effective it is decrease until it's about 50% if taken at it's 72 hour limit.

Ella one can be taken up until 120 hours later and will stop 60% of unwanted pregnancies.

I know it's not as good as contraception or the morning after pill if taken with in 12 hours but, if you can't get to a chemist for what ever reason with in the 72 hour window it's an option.

Ella one is not available over the counter you will have to see a dr to get it prescribed. But hurrah for more options but please remember if there is a chance you could end up pregnant there is a chance you've gotten an sti so don't forget to get tested.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2012/0717/ireland/number-of-women-attending-sexual-health-clinics-falls-201045.html

The average age of a woman having a first child in Ireland is now 31 and Dr McQuade said many young women in their 20s — the age group which has seen the largest fall in numbers attending the clinics — had no intention of having a baby until they were in their 30s.

The availability of over- the-counter contraception in pharmacies has also contributed to the fall in numbers attending the clinics, but Ms Begas said: "It may still be better for these women to discuss their family planning needs with a family doctor or GP."

She said a new emergency contraceptive called ellaOne — which can be taken within five days of unprotected sexual intercourse and which more than halves the chances of pregnancy — is now available from GPs.

A recent study found that 12% of young women were now opting for longer-term forms of contraception.

SarahBeep!

Any word on a price? Id say people will have to pay a fortune for it + GP visit

Ave Sodalis

Would getting it from a GP be considered an emergency appointment? I know with my GP anyway, you have to make an appointment which could be a few days unless it's urgent.

Morag

Yes you'd have to pay the dr, EllaOne is a prescription only medication.
the same as it used to be with the morning after pill.
http://www.onlineclinic.net/ellaone.html on site which dispense it, it seems to be 60 euro including consultation charge.

I'd guess getting any emergency contraceptive would be an emergency consultation.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Emergency-Contraceptive-Options&id=3741803

Abi

sup_dude wrote: »

Would getting it from a GP be considered an emergency appointment? I know with my GP anyway, you have to make an appointment which could be a few days unless it's urgent.

With emergency contraception, you do not wait days to see a doctor. You go to your out-of-hours doctor and get seen to as soon as you possibly can. A few days can mean a life time of a difference, or at least it did before it was offered over the counter.