Emergency contraceptive pill - meaning and definition
AlsoECPmorning-after pillmorning after pillPlan BellaOnelevonorgestrel pillnext-day pill
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
The emergency contraceptive pill is a single-dose tablet taken after unprotected sex that mainly works by delaying ovulation.
At a glance
- It is a single-dose tablet taken after unprotected sex.
- It mainly works by delaying ovulation.
- Levonorgestrel is licensed for use within three days of sex, ulipristal acetate up to five days.
- The sooner it is taken, the better it works.
- Certain medicines or a higher body weight may reduce its effect.
In detail
The two common types contain either levonorgestrel, licensed for use within three days of sex, or ulipristal acetate, which can be taken up to five days afterwards. Despite the nickname, it does not have to be taken the next morning, but the sooner it is taken the better it works.
Because it works by delaying ovulation, it is less effective if ovulation has already happened, and certain medicines or a higher body weight may reduce its effect. A pharmacist can advise on which pill to use and whether a copper IUD might be the better choice. Side effects such as nausea or a changed next period are usually short-lived.
In a sentence
- The pharmacist asked a few questions before giving me the emergency contraceptive pill.
- Despite the name morning-after pill, you don't have to wait until the morning to take it.
Where the word comes from
Its popular nickname, the "morning-after pill", dates from the late 20th century. Health services increasingly prefer the term emergency contraceptive pill, since it need not be taken the next morning.
Not to be confused with
- Medication abortion
Abortion pills end a pregnancy; the emergency contraceptive pill cannot.
Common questions
Does the morning-after pill have to be taken the next morning?
No. Depending on the type, it can be taken within three or five days of sex, but the sooner it is taken the better it works.
Will the emergency pill work if ovulation has already happened?
Because it works mainly by delaying ovulation, it is less effective if ovulation has already happened. A pharmacist can advise on which pill to use and whether a copper IUD might be the better choice.