Pil perancang kecemasan (the emergency contraceptive pill, or morning after pill) can lower the chance of pregnancy after sex without contraception or when contraception fails, such as a condom breaking or missed pills. Postinor is a brand of levonorgestrel emergency pill, which should be taken as soon as possible and within 3 days (72 hours). It is very safe; common side effects are headache, feeling sick and period-like pain. It is not an abortion pill: it works by delaying ovulation and cannot end a pregnancy that has already started. A copper IUD fitted within 5 days is even more effective. Neither protects against sexually transmitted infections. This guide explains how to take it, how well it works, side effects, your next period and when to see a doctor.
Apa itu pil perancang kecemasan (Postinor)?
Emergency contraception refers to methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex (World Health Organization). There are 2 types (NHS):
- the emergency contraceptive pill, also called the morning after pill;
- a copper IUD (intrauterine device, or copper coil), fitted in the womb by a trained doctor or nurse.
The NHS describes 2 main types of emergency pill:
| Type of pill | When to take it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel | Within 3 days (72 hours) after sex (NHS) | Postinor is a brand of levonorgestrel pill; the UK product information lists 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel per tablet |
| Ulipristal acetate | Within 5 days (120 hours) after sex (NHS) | The WHO says it is more effective than other pills between 3 and 5 days after sex |
Many people in Malaysia search for "Postinor" or "Postinor 2". Whatever the brand, the active medicine and the instructions in your pack are what matter. A doctor or pharmacist can explain which type you have and whether it suits you. For regular contraception, see our guide to pil perancang.
Bila perlu ambil pil perancang kecemasan?
The WHO says emergency contraception can be used when:
- no contraception was used;
- a condom broke, slipped or was used incorrectly;
- combined contraceptive pills were missed (for example 3 or more in a row) or a progestogen-only pill was taken late;
- a contraceptive injection was given late;
- withdrawal failed, or the fertile days were miscalculated;
- a woman was sexually assaulted and was not protected by contraception.
If you have been sexually assaulted, please get help at a hospital emergency department as soon as you can.
Cara makan Postinor dan Postinor 2
- Take it as soon as possible. The NHS says the sooner you take an emergency pill, the more likely it is to work. For levonorgestrel, take it within 3 days (72 hours) of sex; the UK Postinor product information says preferably within 12 hours.
- Check how many tablets are in your pack. MedlinePlus says a single-tablet product is taken as 1 dose, and a two-tablet product is taken as 1 tablet as soon as possible and the second tablet 12 hours later. The WHO also lists both ways: 1.5 mg as a single dose, or 0.75 mg twice, 12 hours apart.
- If you vomit soon after taking it, you may need another dose: the NHS and WHO say within 2 hours (the UK Postinor leaflet says 3 hours). Ask a pharmacist or doctor.
- Keep using contraception. MedlinePlus says you can become pregnant soon after taking levonorgestrel, so continue or start a regular method straight away. The WHO says you can restart your usual contraception immediately after a levonorgestrel pill.
Berapa berkesan dan berapa cepat perlu diambil?
- The WHO says emergency contraception can prevent over 95% of pregnancies when taken within 5 days of sex.
- The NHS says research suggests around 1 to 2 women in every 100 who take an emergency pill will still get pregnant. The WHO reports pregnancy rates of 1.2% to 2.1% with levonorgestrel pills and 1.2% with ulipristal acetate.
- How well it works depends on things like how soon you take it (NHS). The UK product information adds that it should be taken as soon as possible regardless of body weight.
- Some medicines can make it work less well, such as medicines for TB, epilepsy or HIV, the antifungal griseofulvin and the herbal remedy St John's wort (NHS). Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these; a copper IUD may be advised instead.
Adakah ia pil gugur kandungan?
No, it is not an abortion pill. The WHO says emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg), and that emergency contraception cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo. MedlinePlus says levonorgestrel will not end a pregnancy that has already begun, so it should not be taken if you are already pregnant.
The WHO also says the medicines used for emergency contraception do not harm future fertility, and there is no delay in being able to get pregnant afterwards. To understand when you are most fertile, see our guide to ovulasi dan masa subur.
Kesan sampingan
The NHS says the emergency pill is very safe and serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include:
- headache;
- feeling sick (nausea);
- period-like pain and cramping.
MedlinePlus also lists heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, spotting between periods, vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, dizziness and breast tenderness. The WHO says side effects are not common, are mild and usually go away without treatment.
See a doctor straight away if you have severe pain low in your tummy 3 to 5 weeks after taking levonorgestrel (MedlinePlus). The UK product information says that if pregnancy happens after taking it, the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy should be considered, although the risk is likely to be low. See our guide to mengandung luar rahim.
Haid selepas makan Postinor dan bila buat ujian kehamilan
- MedlinePlus says it is normal for your next period to come up to a week earlier or later than expected.
- If your period is more than a week late, call your doctor; you may be pregnant and should do a pregnancy test (MedlinePlus). The UK product information advises ruling out pregnancy if your period is more than 5 days overdue.
- For late periods and early pregnancy signs, see our guides to period lambat and tanda-tanda mengandung.
Siapa perlu berhati-hati
- The WHO says there are no absolute medical reasons that stop someone using emergency contraception, and no age limit. The UK Postinor product information is for adults and adolescents over 16.
- The NHS says you can take the emergency pill even if you cannot use other hormonal contraception, and you can use it while breastfeeding. The UK product information suggests taking it straight after a feed and avoiding breastfeeding for at least 8 hours afterwards.
- The NHS says it may not be suitable if you need steroid medicines for asthma or are overweight; a doctor, nurse or pharmacist can advise.
- The UK product information says levonorgestrel is not recommended if you have had an ectopic pregnancy or an infection of the fallopian tubes, or have severe liver disease.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (NHS). Use condoms to lower the risk; see our guide to sifilis.
IUD tembaga: pilihan paling berkesan
The NHS and WHO say a copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. The NHS says it can be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex, and can then be left in as regular contraception for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type. The WHO says it works by causing a chemical change in the sperm and egg before they meet. If you would like this option, contact a clinic as soon as possible after sex. See our guide to IUD.
Selepas itu: perancang keluarga yang tetap
Emergency contraception is meant for emergencies. The WHO says repeated use poses no known health risks but can cause more side effects such as irregular periods, and that women who use it often should be offered more regular options. The UK product information adds that it is not as effective as a regular method. Talk to a doctor at a klinik kesihatan or private clinic about a method that suits you; see our guide to pil perancang dan perancang keluarga.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Apa itu Postinor (what is Postinor)?
Postinor is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill (pil perancang kecemasan), sometimes called the morning after pill. The UK product information lists 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel per tablet. It is taken after sex without contraception, or when contraception may have failed, to lower the chance of pregnancy. It is meant for emergencies only, not as a regular method of contraception.
Cara makan Postinor atau Postinor 2 (how do I take Postinor or Postinor 2)?
Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and within 3 days (72 hours). Check how many tablets are in your pack and follow the leaflet: MedlinePlus says a single-tablet product is taken as 1 dose, and a two-tablet product is taken as 1 tablet as soon as possible and the second tablet 12 hours later. If you vomit soon after taking it, ask a pharmacist or doctor whether you need another dose.
Berapa berkesan pil perancang kecemasan (how well does the emergency pill work)?
It works best the sooner it is taken. The NHS says research suggests around 1 to 2 women in every 100 who take an emergency contraceptive pill will still get pregnant. The World Health Organization reports pregnancy rates of 1.2% to 2.1% with levonorgestrel pills. A copper IUD fitted by a doctor within 5 days is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
Apa kesan sampingan Postinor (what are the side effects of Postinor)?
The NHS says the emergency pill is very safe and serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include headache, feeling sick and period-like pain. MedlinePlus also lists changes in your period, spotting between periods, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness and breast tenderness. See a doctor straight away if you have severe pain low in your tummy 3 to 5 weeks after taking it.
Adakah Postinor pil gugur kandungan (is Postinor an abortion pill)?
No. The World Health Organization says emergency contraceptive pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation, do not cause an abortion, and cannot end an established pregnancy or harm a developing baby. MedlinePlus says levonorgestrel should not be taken if you are already pregnant, because it will not end a pregnancy that has already begun.
Bila haid datang selepas makan Postinor (when will my period come after taking it)?
MedlinePlus says it is normal for your next period to come up to a week earlier or later than expected. If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test and see a doctor. The UK product information also advises ruling out pregnancy if your period is more than 5 days overdue.
Boleh makan Postinor selalu (can I take the emergency pill often)?
It is safe to use when needed, but it is not meant to be your regular contraception. The World Health Organization says repeated use poses no known health risks but can cause more side effects such as irregular periods, and it is less effective than regular methods. If you find you need it often, talk to a doctor about a regular method such as the pill, an implant or an IUD.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Brand names are mentioned only because readers search for them; Drann does not recommend any brand. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- Emergency contraception — NHS
- How to take the emergency contraceptive pill — NHS
- Who can take the emergency contraceptive pill — NHS
- Side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill — NHS
- Emergency contraception fact sheet — World Health Organization
- Levonorgestrel — MedlinePlus Drug Information, US National Library of Medicine
- Postinor 1500 microgram tablet: summary of product characteristics — electronic medicines compendium (emc), UK
