It was my first time ever using a morning after pill

Written by: Anonymous, 21, Kent

I went to a pharmacy to get a morning after pill after the barrier method failed for me and my boyfriend the night before.

This had never happened before and it was my first time ever using a morning after pill. I was apprehensive because I’d heard horror stories about using it, like how it messes up your cycle for months on end or affects your fertility in the long run (this is all untrue).

I felt that the lady in the pharmacy judged me and treated me like someone who has reckless unsafe sex with multiple partners all the time or something. I felt pressured to go onto long-term contraception like the pill or implant, even though I didn’t want to because I’ve found it messes badly with my PMS.

I felt she was very condescending about all this – I just felt like a little kid who had done something naughty, rather than an adult taking a responsible decision after an accident.

I took ellaOne and found that I had no side effects at all – it didn’t seem to affect any subsequent periods either, which I had been concerned about, as my periods tend to be quite unpredictable, heavy and painful. Of course, everyone is different so it won’t be like that for everyone, but ultimately I’m glad I made the decision to take it.

The only person who knows what is best for your body in light of your own personal situation, is you. Ultimately, you are the only one who has the right to make that decision for yourself. That’s what I’ve taken away from this whole experience, anyway.