FAQs

Got a question about ella®? Wondering how an emergency contraceptive pill really works? Heard something worrying about side effects and want to get an answer you can trust? You’re in the right place.
There are lots of harmful myths and misunderstandings out there about emergency contraception that can stop people from accessing it. However, emergency contraception is an essential part of reproductive health. Learning more can help demystify any fear or stigma so that you can be prepared with emergency contraception when you may need it.

About ella

What is ella?

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ella is an emergency contraceptive pill (aka morning-after pill) that contains ulipristal acetate. If you’ve had unprotected sex, or your primary birth control method has failed, taking ella can help prevent an unplanned pregnancy when taken within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Like all emergency contraceptive pills, ella is more effective the sooner you take it. ella is most effective when taken as soon possible after unprotected sex. In clinical trials (or scientific studies), there was a pregnancy rate of less than 1% when ella was taken within 24 hours after having unprotected sex. In those same studies, there was a pregnancy rate of 1.3% when ella was taken within 5 days after having unprotected sex. For more information about ella, check out the Meet ella page.

How does ella work?

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ella prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex by delaying ovulation. When you have unprotected sex, sperm travel from the vagina, through the cervix and up the fallopian tubes where they wait for an egg to fertilize. ella helps prevent or delay the release of the egg until all the sperm have died (up to 5 days), so pregnancy cannot occur. Learn more about how ella works.

Why choose ella?

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The active ingredient in ella, ulipristal acetate, has been shown to be highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Ulipristal acetate is the active ingredient that is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for oral emergency contraception. It has been the emergency contraceptive of choice of over 55 million women worldwide since 2009.

ella is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex has occurred, even when ovulation is imminent. In clinical trials (or scientific studies), there was a pregnancy rate of less than 1% when ella was taken within 24 hours after having unprotected sex. In those same studies, there was a pregnancy rate of 1.3% when ella was taken within 5 days after having unprotected sex.

How do I know if ella worked?

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Since there is no way to confirm if ella has worked until your next period, keep an eye out that your period is not delayed more than a week later than usual. You should expect your period to arrive around the same time as normal, though it is common for it to be a few days early or late after taking ella. If ella is taken as directed, it will reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. However, ella is not effective in every case. If your period is more than 7 days late, you should take a pregnancy test and reach out to your healthcare provider to follow up.

ella is less likely to be effective if you:

  • Don’t take ella right away after unprotected sex.
  • Vomit within 3 hours after taking ella. Contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss the possibility of taking an additional dose of the medication.

Do I need a prescription to get ella?

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Yes, ella is available exclusively by prescription. There are many quick and easy ways to get a prescription for ella through your healthcare provider or online through one of our telemedicine partners listed on our site. For more information, check out our Get ella page.

Is ella an abortion pill?

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No! ella is an emergency contraceptive that delays or prevents ovulation, which stops a pregnancy from occurring in the first place. Taking ella won’t end an existing pregnancy. You should not take ella if you are already pregnant.

Taking ella

Can ella mess up my cycle or cause bleeding?

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Your next period may begin a few days earlier or later than expected after taking ella. If your period is more than 7 days late, there may be a chance you’re pregnant. If this is the case, you should take a pregnancy test and reach out to your healthcare provider to follow up.

If you have severe lower stomach (abdominal) pain after taking ella, you may have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (womb), which is called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that needs medical treatment right away. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy.

Can I take ella twice in one cycle?

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Repeated use of ella within the same menstrual cycle is not recommended, as safety and efficacy of repeated doses within the same cycle has not been evaluated. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception in the same menstrual cycle when you last took ella, you should discuss the situation with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Taking ella can only help to prevent pregnancy for a single incident of unprotected sex. It will not continue to protect you as regular birth control, so if you have unprotected sex again in the same cycle after taking ella, you may be at risk of pregnancy.

If you find yourself needing emergency contraception multiple times in one cycle, you should reach out to your doctor to discuss regular contraceptive methods that would work best for your lifestyle. ella is intended only for use in emergency situations, not as an alternative to regular contraception. Additionally, ella can only help to protect against unplanned pregnancy; it won’t protect you against STDs.

Can ella cause side effects?

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Generally, ella is well tolerated but, like any medicine, some people may experience side effects after taking ella. If side effects do occur, they are generally mild and don’t last long. Learn more information about potential side effects.

When does fertility return after taking ella?

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It is important to remember that ella is only effective for a specific instance of unprotected sex. Taking ella will not protect you for future occasions of unprotected sex. Your fertility will return very quickly, and you should use a condom or other barrier method until your next period arrives, even if you’re using a hormonal method of contraception like the pill.

When do I restart my birth control after taking ella?

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After taking ella, you must wait 5 days before resuming or starting hormonal birth control methods. To prevent unplanned pregnancy after taking ella, it is important that you use a condom each time you have sex until your next period.
Getting ready to talk to your doctor about ella?
Be ready with our information brochure.
Get Prepared