Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Sex
Quick Answer
If you've had unprotected sex and want to prevent pregnancy, emergency contraception can help. Postinor is 95% effective within 24 hours, and Mifestad works up to 5 days. The sooner you take it, the better it works.
First, Don't Panic
Having unprotected sex doesn't guarantee pregnancy. Your actual risk depends on:
- Where you are in your cycle - Risk is highest around ovulation (mid-cycle)
- Whether ejaculation occurred - Pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, but risk is lower
- Your fertility - Many factors affect conception
Emergency contraception significantly reduces your risk regardless of these factors.
Your Emergency Contraception Options
You have two main pill options available:
| Option | Works Up To | Best Effectiveness | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postinor (Levonorgestrel) | 72 hours | 95% within 24h | OTC |
| Mifestad (Ulipristal Acetate) | 120 hours | 98% within 24h | Rx |
Why Timing Matters
Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation. The sooner you take it:
- More time for the medication to work before ovulation
- Higher probability of preventing pregnancy
- Less stress and uncertainty for you
Don't wait to see if you "feel pregnant" - by then, EC won't help.
How to Get Emergency Contraception
Options for getting EC quickly:
Order through Ruth - Same-day delivery in Metro Manila, discreet packaging
Visit a pharmacy - Postinor is available over-the-counter
Telehealth consultation - Required for Mifestad prescription
What to Expect After Taking EC
After taking emergency contraception:
1. Common side effects: Nausea, headache, fatigue (usually mild, resolve in 24-48 hours)
2. Period changes: May come earlier or later, heavier or lighter
3. Pregnancy test: Take one if your period is more than 7 days late
4. Future contraception: EC is not ongoing protection - discuss regular options
Get emergency contraception delivered discreetly.
Start Your OrderFrequently Asked Questions
If you had vaginal intercourse without contraception (or with contraception failure) and don't want to become pregnant, EC is appropriate. When in doubt, taking EC is safer than waiting.
Count from the earliest possible time. If you're unsure whether it's been 48 or 72 hours, Mifestad is the safer choice as it maintains high effectiveness longer.
EC significantly reduces your risk but is not 100% effective. Postinor prevents about 7 out of 8 pregnancies that would have occurred; Mifestad prevents about 6 out of 7.
Yes. EC is for emergencies only. It's less effective than regular contraception and doesn't provide ongoing protection. We can help you explore regular options.
Related Guides
Emergency Contraception Within 24 Hours
You are still in the highly effective window. Both levonorgestrel (95%) and ulipristal acetate (98%) options are excelle...
Postinor vs Mifestad: Which Emergency Contraception Is Right for You?
Both Postinor (levonorgestrel) and Mifestad (ulipristal acetate) are effective emergency contraceptives. Postinor works ...
Morning After Pill Side Effects: What to Expect
Common side effects include nausea (14-23%), headache (10-17%), fatigue, and irregular bleeding. Most side effects are m...
Need emergency contraception?
Get Started