What is the levonorgestrel morning after pill and how does it work?
The levonorgestrel morning after pill (otherwise known as Plan-B One Step, My Way, Julie, or by other names) is a type of emergency contraception. This one-time pill acts to stop ovulation, which is when the ovary releases an egg for fertilization. If ovulation has already happened, the morning after pill will not work and you are at risk of becoming pregnant. Please know, the morning after pill is not an abortion pill and will not harm an existing pregnancy.
Because timing is important for how effective the medication will be, all sexually active people at risk of becoming pregnant or getting someone pregnant, or know someone who meets those criteria, should consider having a dose of the levonorgestrel morning after pill on hand, “just in case”.
The levonorgestrel morning after pills are very safe and are available over the counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores, including the CSU Health Network Pharmacy. There are no age or gender restrictions on accessing the medication, and you should not need an ID to buy the levonorgestrel morning after pill. The cost of the medication can vary, and it is usually not covered by health insurance.
How do I take the levonorgestrel morning after pill?
Take the pill by mouth, with water or another liquid, as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Please read the package directions for further instructions.
The levonorgestrel morning after pill works best if taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (within 12-24 hours). You have up to 5 days from unprotected sex to take the medication, but it is less effective after 3 days. If you haven’t gotten your period within 3 weeks after taking the morning-after pill, you will need to take a pregnancy test.
Caution: Do not take the levonorgestrel morning after pill if you’ve taken the prescription emergency contraceptive, Ella, in the last 5 days.
How effective is the morning after pill?
A one-time dose of the levonorgestrel morning after pill can lower your chance of getting pregnant by 75–89% if taken within 3 days after unprotected sex. If you vomit within 2 hours after taking the levonorgestrel morning after pill, it will not work, and you will need to take it again.
What are the side effects of the levonorgestrel morning after pill?
The morning-after pill is very safe, and side effects are not common. If they do occur, they are usually mild. Typical side effects can include:
- Irregular, late, or early periods for your next menstrual cycle
- Headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Lightheadedness and/or dizziness
- Breast tenderness
How do I get on birth control after taking the levonorgestrel morning after pill?
The levonorgestrel morning after pill is a “back up” or “emergency” method of contraception and should not be used as a primary method of pregnancy prevention. For people who are at risk of becoming pregnant and who don’t want to become pregnant, CSU Health Network recommends a more effective primary method of birth control. Options can include birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUD’s), and non-hormonal options. To discuss birth control options that are available to you, please call CSU Health Network at (970) 491-7121 to make an appointment.
- CSU Health Network– (970) 491-7121
- PRIDE Resource Center– (970) 491-4342
- Survivor Advocacy and Feminist Education Center– (970) 491-6384
- 24/7/365 Victim Assistance Team Hotline- (970) 492-4242
