Emergency Contraception Within 72 Hours (3 Days)
Quick Answer
This is the cutoff for levonorgestrel (58% effective). Ulipristal acetate (95% effective) is the preferred option at this point.
Important: Timing Affects Your Options
At 72 hours, your options have different effectiveness: - **Levonorgestrel (Postinor):** Only 58% effective - this is the cutoff point - **Ulipristal acetate (Mifestad):** Still 95% effective **Recommendation:** Mifestad is strongly preferred at this timing.
Why Mifestad Is Better at 72 Hours
Ulipristal acetate (Mifestad) maintains significantly higher effectiveness than levonorgestrel (Postinor) as time passes:
| Timing | Postinor | Mifestad |
|--------|----------|----------|
| 24 hours | 95% | 98% |
| 48 hours | 85% | 97% |
| 72 hours | 58% | 95% |
The difference is substantial: 95% vs 58%.
You Still Have Options
At 72 hours, you have more time than you might think:
- Mifestad works up to 120 hours (5 days) with 85% effectiveness
- If you can't access Mifestad, Postinor is still better than nothing at 58%
- A copper IUD can be inserted as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex
What to Do Now
Here's your action plan:
Order Mifestad for delivery (preferred option)
If Mifestad isn't available, Postinor still provides 58% protection
Take the medication as soon as it arrives - don't wait
Use backup contraception until your next period
Get Mifestad delivered - still 95% effective at 72 hours.
Order Mifestad NowFrequently Asked Questions
72 hours is the maximum recommended window for Postinor, with only 58% effectiveness. Mifestad (95% effective) is strongly preferred at this timing.
Mifestad remains effective up to 120 hours (5 days) at approximately 85% effectiveness. It's your best option beyond 72 hours.
Yes. 58% effectiveness is better than no protection. Take what's available as soon as possible.
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