Levonorgestrel emergency contraception: what to know

Levonorgestrel is a progestogen used for emergency contraception. It mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation; it cannot reliably prevent pregnancy if ovulation has already occurred. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and does not provide ongoing contraception for the rest of the cycle. Vomiting soon after a dose, some medicines, or uncertainty about when sex occurred can affect what advice is appropriate.

Take the medicine as soon as you can and follow the product or pharmacist instructions. Tell the pharmacist or clinician about regular medicines, allergies, breastfeeding and any possibility of pregnancy. Your next period may come earlier or later than expected, and nausea, cramping, headache or breast tenderness can occur. Use condoms or another reliable method for later sex because this dose does not provide continuing protection. Consider an ongoing contraception plan if emergency contraception is becoming a repeated need.

Seek medical advice if you vomit soon after taking the dose, your period is notably late or unusual, or you have ongoing pregnancy concerns. Obtain urgent care for severe one-sided lower-abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain or heavy bleeding, particularly if pregnancy is possible. These symptoms need assessment rather than being assumed to be a medicine effect.

Is levonorgestrel suitable with my medicines and health history? What should I do if I vomit? When should I take a pregnancy test? What ongoing contraception would fit my needs, and how can I reduce sexually transmitted infection risk?