Emergency Contraception Ella – What Is It?
The following information is provided for educational purposes for commonly asked questions by those considering using the common brand of emergency contraception, ella®. Please note that it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on any prescription medication.
The emergency contraception pill is also known as the morning-after pill. It is a type of birth control that can be used within five days after unprotected sex or a suspected contraceptive failure. Failures are usually things like a broken condom or forgetting to take a birth control pill — things you do to try to prevent pregnancy.
One common type of emergency contraception prescribed by doctors is called ella®. This medication works by preventing or delaying ovulation. It is important to keep in mind that emergency contraception is not intended for regular use. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
IS ELLA® EFFECTIVE
The emergency contraception pill ella® was designed to prevent an unintended pregnancy prior to an embryo attaching to the uterus. Prior to ingesting this medication, it is recommended that your doctor rule out pregnancy.2 If taken early, and as directed, it will reduce the chance of pregnancy. Even though it is called an emergency contraceptive, it is not always effective in every case.3,4
SHOULD I TAKE ELLA®?
You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month. Usually around the time that you ovulate. Taking ella®, or any other kind of emergency contraceptive during a time when you cannot become pregnant, needlessly exposes you to a new drug that has not been fully tested.5,6
CAN ELLA® CAUSE AN ABORTION?
Taking ella® after fertilization may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow. Some consider a form of early abortion.7,8
Unlike Plan B, ella® is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex™. Both have the ability to damage the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, causing its death.9 While this effect on growing pregnancies was not tested in women, however a higher dose of ella® did cause abortions in pregnant animals, including monkeys, and carries the same potential in humans.10
DOES ELLA® HAVE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS?
Please contact us to get more information and to learn about the side effects and risks of early, emergency contraceptive medication. Your body and health are important, so take time to make the best decision.
NOTE: We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services or emergency contraception. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.