If you suspect that you have conceived, for example if a condom breaks, you can take the emergency contraceptive pill. It should be taken as soon as possible after sex.
It works best within 24 hours, but can be taken up to 72 hours after the incident.
The emergency pill can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle.
After using the emergency pill, hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill and the ring) are not fully effective, so it is recommended to use a local form of contraception, such as a condom, until after your next menstrual period.
The emergency contraceptive pill contains a strong dose of hormones and works by preventing ovulation and fertilization if intercourse has occurred in the days before ovulation, when fertilization is most likely. It is not recommended to take the emergency contraceptive pill more than once per menstrual cycle as this can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
It is not unusual for taking the emergency pill to be accompanied by minor discomfort, possibly some bleeding, fatigue, headache and nausea. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, you will need to take another one as it has not been effective.
The emergency pill is not dangerous, but it is not recommended to use it regularly as it is much stronger than the regular "pill". If you need contraception, it is much better to take the pill regularly than to use the emergency pill over and over again.