Services / Contraception

How does the morning-after-pill work?

The morning-after-pill works by delaying ovulation and its subsequent fertilisation. Some morning-after-pills also stop the hormone progesterone working in its usual way and also helping stop a pregnancy from occurring.

The simplest way to know whether the morning-after-pill has worked (or you weren’t at risk of pregnancy) is to have your period.

In the event that your period has not yet arrived (or normalised), a pregnancy test may be required. This is usually done approx. 3 weeks after taking the morning-after-pill.

How soon should I take the morning-after-pill?

Whilst the morning-after-pill should be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex, it is recommended to take it as soon as possible.

How effective is the morning-after-pill?

Taking the morning-after-pill within the first 24 hours of having unprotected sex has an effectiveness of 95%.

However, please understand that if your egg has already been released and fertilisation occurred, the morning-after-pill will not work (i.e. it cannot abort a pregnancy).

Will taking more than one morning-after-pill increase the effectiveness?

There is no research to suggest that having two or three (or more) pills will increase the effectiveness of the morning-after-pill. In fact, more than one dose in a cycle can increase the chances of pregnancy.

However, if your weight is over 70 kilos (or BMI is greater than 26) you will need a second dose of Levonelle (taken within 3 days of unprotected sex).

Can I use the morning-after-pill twice in one cycle?

Whilst you may be able to take the same type of pill more than once in your cycle, it is not designed to replace your normal method of contraception.

Please speak to your clinician for more advice about your particular circumstances.

How will my next period be affected?

Your period may be delayed by upto one week. If you don’t have your period within three to four weeks of taking the morning-after-pill, please take a pregnancy test.

How long do I have to wait before having sex again?

We would advise waiting until you have had your period before engaging in sex again. This is to minimise your risk of pregnancy.

Can I still breastfeed after taking the morning-after-pill?

The 3-day pill is safe to take while breastfeeding, however a small amount of Progesterone may pass into your breast milk. It is not harmful to your baby.

However, it is not recommended to breastfeed for 5 days of taking the 5-day pill as the safety is not fully known.

What are the side effects of taking the morning-after-pill?

Side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Cramps & lower abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Tender breasts
• Spotting

If you find yourself vomiting within 2-3 hours of taking the morning-after-pill (the exact time can vary depending on the type) please take another dose.