Emergency contraceptive pill - ‘the morning after pill’

The morning after pill, Plan B.

A single tablet that contains either a hormone (progestogen) or a hormone blocker.

There are 2 types of morning after pill:

• The levonorgestrel (LNG) pill which contains a hormone (progestogen). It can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.
• The ulipristal acetate (UPA) pill which contains a hormone blocker. It can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

• Preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex.
• Preventing pregnancy after another type of contraception failed.

Examples of when contraception may fail are:

• if a condom breaks or slips off during sex
• if you missed or were late in taking the pill or mini-pill
• you were late getting your contraceptive injection
• if you are using fertility awareness methods, and had unprotected sex during your fertile window
• if your vaginal ring has been left out for too long

The emergency contraceptive pill will not end a pregnancy that has already started.

The morning after pill works by stopping or delaying ovulation (eggs being released from the ovaries).

It is most effective when taken as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of having unprotected sex.

85% effective.

The UPA pill is more effective than the LNG pill.

• Take the morning after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
• Take the morning after pill before ovulation has occurred
• If using the LNG pill, take it within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex.
• If using the UPA pill, take it within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex.

If you can’t meet the conditions above, the copper IUD can be considered as an alternative and very effective form of emergency contraception.

Some people may need to take 2 tablets of the LNG pill depending on body weight and other medical conditions.

You should take a pregnancy test if you miss your next period, or 3 weeks after unprotected sex (if your period is irregular)

to confirm you are not pregnant.

The morning after pill does not protect against future unprotected sex, and it is not an ongoing form of contraception.

If the morning after pill is taken after ovulation has occurred, it will not work to reduce the risk of pregnancy. In this case, the copper IUD can be considered as an alternative and very effective form of emergency contraception.

The morning after pill may not work if you vomit within 2 to 3 hours of taking it. If this happens, you will need to take it again.

Higher weight or body mass index (BMI) can reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill, particularly the LNG pill. In these cases, a higher dose of the LNG pill may be required.

If you have already taken a UPA pill, you shouldn’t take an LNG pill in the next 5 days. If you have already taken an LNG pill, the UPA pill can be less effective for the next 7 days.

No.

Internal and external condoms are the only types of contraception that protect against STIs.

In most cases, it only needs to be taken once after unprotected sex.

It is possible to be discreet while using the morning after pill.

However, it is possible someone might notice the pill packet.

Some people may experience mild, short-term side effects.

Some possible side effects include:

• nausea
• headache
• sore breasts

There may be a temporary change to when your period occurs. It might be earlier or later than usual. If there are any concerns about your bleeding patterns, it is important to do a pregnancy test.

The morning after pill will not harm a pregnancy if you are already pregnant.

Some common health conditions and lifestyle factors that may stop you from using the morning after pill include:

• taking liver enzyme-inducing medications
• taking regular corticosteroid medication, for example, for severe asthma or autoimmune conditions (UPA pill only)
• taking hormonal contraception in the previous 7 days, or planning to start hormonal contraception in the next 5 days (UPA pill only)

It is important to talk with the pharmacist (or other healthcare professional) about your medical history when deciding if the morning after pill is suitable for you.

The morning after pill is available over the counter at pharmacies. You do not need a prescription.

It may be available at some online pharmacies, but you might be required to fill in a questionnaire or speak to a pharmacist over phone or chat.

The price varies between types and brands, but costs around $15–50 per dose.

No, the morning after pill has no impact on long-term fertility, even if taken multiple times.

You can use the morning after pill from 21 days after having a baby. However, if your baby is less than 6 months old, you might meet the 3 conditions for the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) and might be protected against pregnancy.

The morning after pill is not required if you have unprotected sex less than 21 days after having a baby.