There are 2 types of Morning After Pill. One is taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, and the other is taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
There may be instances where sex is unprotected or contraception compromised. When that occurs, the Morning After Pill is a clinically effective way of preventing unplanned pregnancies.
There are 2 types of Morning After Pill. One is taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, and the other is taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
There are 2 types of Morning After Pill. One is taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, and the other is taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
How effective is the 72 hours (3 days) Morning After Pill?
The 72 hours (3 days) Morning After Pill contains the active ingredient called levonorgestrel.
The sooner the Morning After Pill is taken after unprotected sex, the better. It is considered to be:
- 95% effective if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex
- 85% effective if taken within 25-48 hours
- 58% effective if taken within 49-72 hours
Taking levonorgestrel 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex may not leave you as well-protected as you hoped.
A 2017 review estimated that 0.6% to 2.6% of women who take levonorgestrel after unprotected sex will become pregnant.
How does the 72 hours (3 days) Morning After Pill work?
Levonorgestrel mimics the natural female sex hormone progesterone. Levonorgestrel prevents the release of the egg from the ovary so that fertilisation does not take place.