What should you know about mini pill as emergency contraception?

The mini pill is a regular progestogen-only contraceptive taken on a schedule. Emergency contraception is intended for use after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure and uses a specific method, dose, and timing. Taking extra regular pills without professional instructions may not provide the intended protection and may cause nausea or bleeding changes.

Levonorgestrel is one medicine used for emergency contraception. A pharmacist or clinician can check whether it is suitable, how soon it should be taken, and whether another method is more appropriate. Emergency contraception does not end an established pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Contact a pharmacist, sexual-health service, or clinician as soon as possible after the contraceptive problem. Tell them when sex occurred, what contraception was used, whether you take regular medicines, and whether you are breastfeeding or could already be pregnant. Follow the supplied instructions rather than changing the dose yourself.

Ask when to restart or continue your regular mini pill, whether condoms are needed temporarily, and when to take a pregnancy test if your next bleed is late or unusual. If vomiting occurs soon after an emergency tablet, contact the service because another dose or a different option may be needed.

Get urgent help for severe lower-abdominal pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding, especially if a pregnancy test is positive. Contact a clinician for persistent vomiting, an allergic reaction, or bleeding that concerns you. Emergency contraception can alter the timing of the next period, but ongoing symptoms should be assessed rather than attributed to the medicine automatically.

Which emergency method is suitable for me? How quickly should I use it? When should I continue my regular mini pill? Do my medicines or breastfeeding affect the choice? When should I test for pregnancy?