Comparison

Postinor vs Mifestad: Which Emergency Contraception Is Right for You?

Quick Answer

Both Postinor (levonorgestrel) and Mifestad (ulipristal acetate) are effective emergency contraceptives. Postinor works best within 24 hours (95% effective) and is available over-the-counter. Mifestad maintains high effectiveness (95%) even at 72 hours and works up to 5 days, making it the better choice if more time has passed.

Quick Comparison

See how these two options compare at a glance.

Factor	Postinor	Mifestad
Active Ingredient	Levonorgestrel 1.5mg	Ulipristal acetate 30mg
Effective Window	Up to 72 hours (3 days)	Up to 120 hours (5 days)
Peak Effectiveness	95% within 24 hours	98% within 24 hours
Effectiveness at 72 hours	58%	95%
Availability	Over-the-counter	Prescription required
Price (approximate)	Lower	Higher
Use with hormonal BC	Can continue hormonal BC	Wait until next period to restart hormonal BC

Decision Summary

The right choice is usually a timing decision first and a delivery decision second. Use this summary before reading the detailed sections below.

Situation	Usually better fit	Why it matters
Within 24 hours and in Metro Manila	Postinor or Mifestad	Both work well early; Postinor is usually cheaper and easier to continue with regular hormonal contraception.
24 to 72 hours after sex	Mifestad	Ulipristal acetate maintains stronger effectiveness as more time passes.
72 to 120 hours after sex	Mifestad	Levonorgestrel is not recommended this late, while ulipristal acetate remains an evidence-based pill option.
Provincial delivery may take several days	Mifestad	The longer window can preserve usefulness while the package is in transit.

How They Work

Both medications prevent pregnancy by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, but they work differently:

Postinor (Levonorgestrel): Prevents or delays ovulation by inhibiting the LH surge. Does not affect implantation or harm an existing pregnancy.

Mifestad (Ulipristal Acetate): Selective progesterone receptor modulator that delays or inhibits ovulation. Effective even when LH surge has begun.

Effectiveness by Timing

The biggest difference between these options is how their effectiveness changes over time.

Time Since Unprotected Sex	Postinor	Mifestad
Within 24 hours	95%	98%
24-48 hours	85%	97%
48-72 hours	58%	95%
72-120 hours	Not recommended	85%

Which Should You Choose?

Your best option depends on your specific situation. Here are our recommendations:

Within 24 hours of unprotected sex: Postinor - Both are highly effective. Postinor is more accessible and affordable when time is on your side.
Between 24-72 hours: Mifestad - Mifestad maintains higher effectiveness (95% vs 58-85%) as time passes.
Between 72-120 hours: Mifestad - Mifestad is the only option effective beyond 72 hours (85% at 120 hours).
Currently on hormonal contraception: Postinor - Postinor allows you to continue your regular birth control without interruption.
Budget is a concern: Postinor - Postinor is more affordable and equally effective within 24 hours.

How Delivery Timing Changes the Recommendation

Delivery timing is part of the medical decision because emergency contraception effectiveness changes by the hour.

In Metro Manila, same-day courier delivery usually means the product can be taken soon after doctor review and dispatch. In that setting, Postinor may be a practical choice for early windows because it is lower cost and highly effective when taken quickly.

Outside Metro Manila, J&T delivery can take one to four business days depending on the province. If the package may arrive near or after the 72-hour mark, Mifestad is usually safer because it has a 120-hour window. This is why Ruth asks about both timing and delivery location before recommending a product.

Side Effects Comparison

Both options have similar side effect profiles, though individual experiences vary.

Common side effects for both:
- Nausea and headache
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Changes to your next period

Most side effects are mild and resolve within 24-48 hours.

When to Get Medical Care Instead

Neither Postinor nor Mifestad treats an existing pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy, or symptoms that need urgent evaluation. Seek in-person care promptly if you have severe one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, very heavy bleeding, fever, or concern about sexual assault. If you vomit shortly after taking emergency contraception, contact a clinician because you may need another dose or a different next step. For non-urgent questions, Ruth's intake and doctor review can help confirm whether Postinor, Mifestad, or follow-up testing is the right path.

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What this guide means in practice

Side-by-side comparisons cut through the marketing language and product packaging that often makes emergency contraception feel more complicated than it is. The two questions that matter most are which product is effective for your specific timing, and which one fits your access and budget. Everything else — packaging, brand familiarity, pricing format — comes second.

Most comparisons on Ruth focus on Postinor (levonorgestrel 1.5mg) and Mifestad (ulipristal acetate 30mg), the two options most commonly used in the Philippines. Postinor is available over the counter, less expensive, and is most effective in the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. Mifestad typically requires a prescription, is more expensive, but maintains stronger effectiveness across the full 120-hour window.

Comparisons also surface the smaller details that influence outcomes — for example, that body weight, current medications, breastfeeding status, and how close you are to ovulation can all shift the recommendation. A comparison guide should give you confidence in the decision rather than a list of generic facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Do not combine emergency contraception methods. Taking both may actually reduce effectiveness. Choose one option based on your timing and situation.

Postinor and other levonorgestrel products are generally more affordable. The active ingredient is the same regardless of brand name.

Side effect profiles are similar for both. Individual responses vary, but neither is significantly better tolerated than the other overall.

Levonorgestrel (Postinor) is considered compatible with breastfeeding. For ulipristal acetate (Mifestad), pumping and discarding breast milk for 24 hours after taking is recommended. Consult your healthcare provider.

How Ruth Health supports this decision

Ruth Health was built around the practical realities of emergency contraception in the Philippines. That means treating timing seriously, offering discreet same-day delivery in Metro Manila, and ensuring the right product is dispatched for the patient's situation — including provincial delivery windows where Mifestad's longer effectiveness window matters.

Every order goes through a brief, evidence-based intake. When a clinician should weigh in — for example, when a patient is breastfeeding, on enzyme-inducing medications, or unsure about the time elapsed — that review happens before dispatch. Packaging is unbranded, delivery is tracked, and follow-up support is available through chat for as long as it is helpful.

When the situation has urgent components — severe pain, heavy bleeding, possible sexual assault, or signs of serious health issues — the recommendation is always to seek immediate care at a hospital or clinic, with EC support continuing alongside that care rather than replacing it.

Medical Sources

WHO Emergency Contraception Fact Sheet
FDA labeling for levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate
ACOG guidance on emergency contraception
Peer-reviewed studies where noted in Ruth content

Related Guides

Timing Guide

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