How to Use Levonelle?
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in this morning after pill, increases the amount of progesterone in the body. This fools the reproductive processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred and so no egg is released from the ovary. In this way, the sperm have nothing to fertilise and pregnancy is avoided.
Does Levonelle only stop ovulation?
Using this pill not only stops ovulation, but it also works in other ways so that it is effective at any time during a women’s cycle. The reason for this is that ovulation may have already occurred before unprotected sex. It also works to thicken the mucous lining on the neck of the cervix. This makes it very difficult for sperm to pass from the vagina into the uterus. If sperm cannot pass through, then it cannot fertilise an egg, and thus pregnancy will be avoided.
Additionally, Levonelle works to alter the lining of the womb. In doing so, it makes it impossible for fertilised eggs to embed themselves in the lining. If they cannot embed themselves, they cannot grow and are simply passed through the body with the regular period.
How do I take it?
A Levonelle dosage comes in the form of 1 tablet. A Levonelle dosage used to come in the form of 2 tablets that had to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and exactly 12 hours after one another. Research has shown that by doubling the Levonelle dosage and creating one, stronger pill, that the results have not been altered.
When not to use Levonelle?
There are certain times when it cannot be used. In these circumstances, you could even put your health seriously at risk by taking it. You cannot take it if:
- You are under the age of 16
- You are already pregnant
- If you had unprotected sex over 72 hours ago
- You have a decreased liver function
- You have allergies to any of the ingredients
- You are breastfeeding
Levonelle usage warning
If you take Levonelle and you are already pregnant, or might be pregnant, you could be at risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Basically this occurs when a fertilised egg begins to grow outside of the womb in the ovarian tubes.
This is very painful and can be incredibly damaging to your reproductive system. If you feel any abnormal acute pains in your lower abdomen and experience a late or unusually light period, contact a doctor and get advice on how to proceed.
