The morning pill: what to know

Emergency contraception mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation. It is not the same as the daily combined pill, which may contain ethinylestradiol and is taken on a planned schedule. Levonorgestrel is one emergency contraceptive ingredient; a pharmacist or clinician can help you choose an appropriate option.

After taking it, your next period may shift or look different. The morning pill does not interrupt an established pregnancy and does not prevent sexually transmitted infections. It also does not give continuing protection for sex later in the cycle.

Take emergency contraception as soon as possible within the product’s instructions, and tell the pharmacist about medicines, allergies, and relevant health conditions. If you vomit soon after taking it, ask promptly whether another dose is needed.

Use condoms or another ongoing contraceptive method after the dose. Take a pregnancy test if your period is late, unusually light, or pregnancy symptoms appear. If you want longer-term control of contraception or painful or irregular periods, discuss a suitable regular method.

Get urgent help for severe one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or heavy bleeding. Contact a clinician if your period does not arrive, a test is positive, or you are uncertain whether the medicine stayed down. These symptoms need assessment independently of how common pregnancy is after emergency contraception.

Ask which option suits your timing, when to test, how to start regular contraception, whether your medicines interact with it, and what symptoms should prompt urgent review.