Emergency contraception (EC), also known as postcoital contraception or “the morning after pill” refers to contraceptive methods that can be used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Access to EC methods is essential for ensuring women’s reproductive health.

Currently, there are four types of EC methods available:

  • Levonorgestrel-only EC pills (LNG ECPs)
  • EC pills containing 30 mg of ulipristal acetate (UPA ECPs)
  • EC pills containing 10 to 25 mg of mifepristone
  • Copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs) inserted up to five days after intercourse.

Additionally, in settings where no EC products are available, combined oral contraceptive pills containing both progestin and estrogen can be used as emergency contraception (the “Yuzpe” regimen). This regimen is less effective and presents more side effects.

What you should know

  • EC pills are safe.
  • EC pills are more effective the sooner they are taken. UPA EC pills and the Cu-IUDs are effective at preventing pregnancy up to 5 days after an act of unprotected intercourse. LNG EC pills are effective up to 3 days.
  • The effectiveness of EC pills depends on the timing of a woman’s ovulation in relation to when she had unprotected sex.
  • EC pills can be used repeatedly, safely and effectively. Using EC pills is always safer than pregnancy; and is more effective than not using any contraceptive method at all.
  • EC pills are less effective than other regular contraceptive methods, and women should be counseled to understand this and to choose the right method for ongoing protection against unwanted pregnancy. However, EC pills may be the only available or affordable option for some women, or the method they have chosen.
  • After taking EC pills, condoms should be used until the next period; but if unprotected sex happens again, another dose of EC pills can be taken. There are special considerations for repeated use of EC pills in the same menstrual cycle (read more here).
  • EC does not prevent against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
  • The primary mechanism of action of EC pills is disruption of ovulation.

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Last update: May 2025