Combined birth control pills as emergency contraception

This approach uses the hormones oestrogen and levonorgestrel after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. It is generally considered when a dedicated emergency contraceptive pill or a copper intrauterine device is not accessible or suitable.

The hormones mainly delay or prevent ovulation, so an egg is less likely to be released for fertilisation. Emergency contraception does not end an established pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Only particular combined-pill formulations can be used, and the number of tablets depends on the hormone strength in that brand. This is why a dose copied from another pack may be wrong. Nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, tiredness, spotting, or a change in the timing of the next period can occur.

Contact a pharmacist, family doctor, or sexual health service as soon as possible. Tell them the exact pill name, hormone strengths printed on the pack, when unprotected sex occurred, when your last period began, medicines or supplements you take, and whether further unprotected sex happened earlier in the same cycle.

Take only the tablets and schedule they confirm. If you vomit soon after a dose, contact the pharmacist or clinician promptly because another dose may be needed. Ask when to restart or continue regular contraception and how long to use condoms, since the emergency dose does not provide continuing protection.

Take a pregnancy test if the next period is more than a week later than expected, is unusually light, or pregnancy symptoms develop. A clinician can also discuss dedicated emergency pills and a copper intrauterine device, taking account of timing, medicines, health history, and preference.

Get urgent medical assessment for severe or one-sided lower abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy bleeding, particularly if a period is late or a pregnancy test is positive. These symptoms can require prompt evaluation for an ectopic pregnancy or another cause of bleeding and pain.

Arrange routine follow-up if bleeding remains troublesome, the next period does not arrive as expected, or you are unsure whether the correct tablets were taken. Seek immediate emergency help for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Ask whether your pill contains the right hormones for this use, exactly how many tablets to take and when, whether any current medicine could reduce effectiveness, and what to do if vomiting occurs. You can also ask which ongoing contraceptive method can be started now and when a pregnancy test would be reliable for your situation.