How to stop unwanted pregnancy after 72 hours

Levonorgestrel is a hormone that can be used for emergency contraception. Emergency contraception should not be used as a routine method of birth control.

Levonorgestrel can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. People sometimes call it the "morning after pill." But you don't have to wait until the morning after sex to take it. In fact, levonorgestrel is more effective the sooner you take it. It is a one-dose regimen: you take one pill. The pill contains 1.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel, which is used in lower doses in many birth control pills.

Levonorgestrel brands include Econtra EZ, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One Step, Preventeza, and Take Action. These are given as a one pill emergency contraception or as 2 pills taken separately within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

Depending upon where you are in your cycle, levonorgestrel helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It may prevent or delay ovulation.

Levonorgestrel is not the same as RU-486, which is an abortion pill. It does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. It will not work if you are already pregnant when you take it. Learn more about how emergency contraception works.

If you take the pill within 72 hours after you've had unprotected sex, levonorgestrel can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 87% if taken as directed. If you take Plan B One-Step within 24 hours, it is much more effective.

But you should know that Plan B One-Step is not as effective as regular contraception. So don't take it as a form of birth control. And, it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Think of it as a backup -- not for routine use. That's why it's called Plan B. Get more information on emergency contraception and its effectiveness.

Plan B One Step can be purchased over the counter at drugstores without a prescription or proof of age. Because it is most effective when taken as soon as possible (up to 72 hours after unprotected sex), consider having a ready supply in your medicine cabinet. Better yet, use a reliable form of birth control, and plan for a backup method of birth control.

You can take it if:

• You didn't use any birth control.
• The condom came off or broke.
• The diaphragm slipped out of place.
• You missed at least two or three active birth control pills in a row.
• You forgot to insert your ring or apply your patch.
• Your partner didn't pull out in time.
• You have another reason to think your birth control might not have worked.
• You were forced to have unprotected sex.

Remember:Plan B will not protect you from getting pregnant if you have unprotected sex after taking it. To protect you against getting pregnant, you need to take it right after you have unprotected sex and use a form a contraception when you have sex

Do not take levonorgestrel if:

• You know you are pregnant or suspect you might be.
• You have a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to its ingredients.
• You have a history of recent abnormal vaginal bleeding that your doctor has not yet evaluated.

Many women have taken emergency contraception without serious complications. But it's a good idea to ask your doctor about possible interactions with other medications.

Levonorgestrel is considered safe for most women. You should not take it if you are pregnant because it will not end the pregnancy.

Potential side effects of levonorgestrel include:

If you vomit within two hours after taking the drug, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose.

With levonorgestrel, you may also have some unexpected bleeding. It should go away by the time of your next period. However, it is possible that levonorgestrel may cause your next period to be heavier or lighter than usual. It may also come earlier or later than is normal for you. If you don't get your period within three weeks, get a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant. Read more on emergency contraception side effects.