Everything you need to know about the emergency contraception – a safety net for unexpected situations
- Primavera Medical Center
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
No matter how careful we are about contraception, there are situations when "misfortunes can happen": a broken condom, a forgotten pill, or unprotected sex. In such cases, the morning-after pill can be a solution - but it is important to know when and how it works to really provide security.and treatment.
What is the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken if sexual intercourse has already taken place, but there was no proper protection.
It is not an everyday contraceptive, it is only for emergency situations!
How does the morning after pill work?
The morning after pill temporarily alters the hormonal balance by:
-Prevents ovulation if it has not yet occurred.
-If ovulation has already occurred, it can prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall.
Important to know: if implantation has already occurred, the pill does not terminate the pregnancy, so it is not a drug that causes miscarriage!
What types are there?
There are currently two types of morning-after pills available in Hungary:
Active ingredient - Brand name (e.g.) - Time frame after intake - Mechanism of action - Prescription required?
Levonorgestrel – Escapelle - Within 72 hours (3 days) - Inhibition of ovulation - Yes
Ulipristal acetate – EllaOne - Within 120 hours (5 days) - Delay of ovulation - Yes
The sooner you take it, the more effective it is!
How effective is it?
When a condom breaks.
In case of failure to use contraception.
In case of a forgotten contraceptive pill (e.g. 2-3 consecutive missed pills).
How to take it?
Single dose, swallowed with water.
As soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours, but depending on the type, it is effective for up to 3-5 days.
No medical presence is required for taking it, but if you are unsure, it is worth consulting a gynecologist.
What to watch out for?
Menstruation may be delayed or come earlier, it may be different than usual.
If bleeding does not occur after 2-3 weeks, a pregnancy test is recommended!
It should not be used regularly, because it is a high hormone dose, and its reliability is not guaranteed in the long term.
If unprotected sex occurs after taking the medicine, it does not protect!
What are the possible side effects?
Nausea, vomiting (rarely).
Fatigue, headache.
Breast tenderness.
Abdominal pain, lower abdominal cramps.
Menstrual disorders (e.g. spotting, cycle shift).
⚠️ If vomiting occurs within 2-3 hours after taking it, another tablet is necessary, because the body could not absorb the active ingredient!
When is it not recommended?
In case of an existing pregnancy (but it is proven not to be harmful to the fetus if you accidentally take it anyway).
Severe liver disease, certain rare hormonal disorders (therefore, medical advice is important if you have any doubts).
