What is levonorgestrel used for?

Levonorgestrel is a laboratory-made form of the hormone progestogen. Depending on the product, it can delay or prevent ovulation, make cervical mucus thicker so sperm have more difficulty moving through it, or make the womb lining less suitable for pregnancy. The way it works depends on the dose, formulation and route of use.

A levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive tablet is taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, and it is intended for occasional use rather than ongoing contraception. Levonorgestrel may also be one hormone in a combined contraceptive pill, or the main contraceptive hormone in a progestogen-only pill or hormonal coil. A hormonal coil releases it inside the womb over time and also changes cervical mucus.

Use the product exactly as its instructions describe. Check the package or ask a pharmacist which product you have, because an emergency tablet, daily pill and hormonal coil have different schedules and follow-up needs. If you vomit soon after taking an emergency tablet, contact a pharmacist or clinician promptly because another dose may be needed.

Levonorgestrel does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. After emergency contraception, your next period may come earlier or later than expected. Take a pregnancy test if your period is notably late, or seek advice if you develop pregnancy symptoms. Tell a clinician about medicines and supplements you take before choosing a method, since some treatments can reduce the effect of hormonal contraception.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or one-sided lower abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or shoulder-tip pain after a missed period or a positive pregnancy test. These symptoms need assessment because a pregnancy outside the womb can be serious.

Arrange medical advice for persistent troublesome bleeding, severe headaches, marked mood changes, or symptoms that began after starting a levonorgestrel method. A clinician can check whether the method is suitable and discuss another option if needed.

Ask which levonorgestrel method fits your health history, when it starts protecting against pregnancy, what to do after a missed dose, and when to test for pregnancy after emergency contraception. Also ask how your regular contraception should be started or continued after using an emergency tablet.