What should you know about emergency hormonal contraception?

The tablet works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation. It cannot end an established pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Its suitability can depend on when sex occurred, medicines you take, breastfeeding, and your health history. Emergency contraception is different from regular contraception, so you may need a continuing method afterward.

Levonorgestrel is one hormonal option. It can cause nausea, headache, cramps, tiredness, breast tenderness, or changes to the next bleed. These effects are usually temporary, but individual responses differ.

Speak with a pharmacist or clinician as soon as possible and give accurate timing details. Take the tablet exactly as directed. If you vomit soon afterward, ask promptly whether another dose is needed. Use condoms or avoid sex until reliable ongoing contraception is in place, because the tablet does not cover later sex. Check when to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late or unusual.

Get urgent medical help for severe one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding, especially if a pregnancy test is positive. Arrange clinical advice for persistent vomiting, a markedly late period, or symptoms that worry you. A clinician can discuss another emergency option if the tablet is unsuitable or was taken too late for the situation.

Ask which option fits the timing, whether any medicines could reduce its effect, when regular contraception can start, what backup protection to use, and how to confirm that pregnancy has not occurred.