Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on February 5th, 2026.
Ella offers up to 5 days of emergency contraception effectiveness
Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider
More effective than traditional morning-after pills
Works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation
Emergency contraception provides women with a critical option for preventing unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Ella stands out as a powerful and scientifically advanced emergency contraceptive pill that offers women more flexibility and effectiveness compared to traditional options.
Modern reproductive healthcare recognizes the importance of accessible emergency contraception. With advances in medical technology, women now have more choices when it comes to preventing unplanned pregnancies. How soon after unprotected sex you take emergency contraception can significantly impact its effectiveness.
Ella contains ulipristal acetate, a unique compound that works differently from traditional emergency contraceptive pills. Unlike other morning-after pills that primarily use levonorgestrel, ella targets progesterone receptors in the body, effectively blocking hormonal processes that lead to pregnancy.
The medication's primary function is to prevent or delay ovulation. By interfering with the luteinizing hormone surge that triggers egg release, ella provides a more comprehensive approach to emergency contraception. Care do pregnancy tests can help confirm the effectiveness of emergency contraception if needed.
One of ella's most significant benefits is its extended effectiveness window. While many emergency contraceptives require administration within 72 hours, ella remains effective for up to 120 hours (5 full days) after unprotected intercourse. Clinical studies demonstrate that the medication maintains relatively consistent effectiveness throughout this period.
Comparative effectiveness rates show ella preventing approximately 85% of potential pregnancies when taken within the five-day window. The medication's efficacy remains impressively high, with prevention rates around 95% during the first 24 hours and over 80% even on the fifth day.
Obtaining ella requires a prescription, which means go to urgent care for gynecological issues is a viable option for many women seeking emergency contraception. Healthcare providers can prescribe ella during same-day appointments, and some clinics specialize in urgent reproductive health consultations.
Access Method |
Typical Wait Time |
Availability |
|---|---|---|
Primary Care |
1-3 days |
Moderate |
Urgent Care |
Same day |
High |
Telemedicine |
1-2 hours |
Increasing |
Reproductive Health Clinics |
Same day |
High |
Most women tolerate ella well, but potential side effects can include:
Headache
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Temporary menstrual cycle changes
Fatigue
Dizziness
Breast tenderness
Reliable online gynecologist consultations can provide personalized guidance about potential interactions and individual health considerations.
Ella begins working immediately after consumption, primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation.
While possible, it's not recommended. Consult a healthcare provider for ongoing contraception strategies.
No, ella is solely a pregnancy prevention method and does not protect against STIs.
Most providers recommend waiting until your next menstrual cycle to start hormonal contraceptives.
No contraceptive method is 100% effective, but ella offers one of the highest prevention rates for emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception provides an essential healthcare option for women. Care you can trust. Doctronic is clinically validated with 99% treatment plan alignment.
Emergency contraception provides women with a critical option for preventing unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Ella stands [...]
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