Emergency contraception like Postinor-2 provides women with a safe and effective option when facing unplanned pregnancies. Although the use of Postinor-2 has been approved by the Health Science Authority (HSA) as early as 2002, little is known about it.
At Dame, we believe that the use of emergency contraception is a responsible choice. It is about taking control of your reproductive health when you need it. Your well-being matters, and we are here to help you make informed decisions.
What is Postinor-2?
Postinor-2 or “Plan B” is an emergency contraceptive, also known as the “morning-after pill”.
It is used to lower the chance of pregnancy up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
What Does Postinor-2 Do to Your Body?
The active ingredient in Postinor-2 is levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that mimics the natural hormone progesterone.
This hormone plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. When taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it works in the following ways:
Inhibition of Ovulation
It primarily works to prevent or delay ovulation, the process where an egg is released from the ovary.
If an egg is not released, the sperm cannot meet the egg for fertilisation to happen. Pregnancy cannot happen.
Alteration of Cervical Mucus
Postinor-2 may also change the cervical mucus consistency, making it thicker and harder for sperm to move through. This makes it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
Changes in Uterine Lining
The uterus is where a fertilised egg attaches and grows into a pregnancy. Postinor-2 can alter the uterine lining, making it less suitable for a fertilised egg to attach to. This reduces the likelihood of a fertilised egg developing.
Does Postinor-2 Cause An Abortion?
No. It cannot reverse a pregnancy that has already started. It is not an abortion pill.
It only creates an unfriendly environment in a woman’s body to reduce the chances for fertilisation to happen.
If a fertilised egg has already implanted itself in the uterus, the pill will not interfere with or harm the pregnancy.
Is Postinor-2 Effective?
It is not effective if you are already pregnant. It is used to lower the risk of pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
When used within 72 hours, it is estimated that Postinor-2 will prevent 85% of expected pregnancies.
95% of expected pregnancies will be prevented if taken within the first 24 hours. This percentage declines to 58% when taken between 48 to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
It is not known whether Postinor-2 is effective if taken more than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Generally, the earlier you take it, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.
Time is of the essence. If you already know you need Postinor-2, Dame helps you with your same-day order.
Is Postinor-2 Safe?
Yes, it is safe for most people. It is taken for only one day and contains the hormone levonorgestrel.
Levonorgestrel contains the same hormones found in hormonal birth control methods like birth control pills, skin patches, vaginal rings and certain IUDs). It has been used safely for years.
Also, the use of Postinor-2 has no known adverse effects on pregnancy, if pregnancy has already occurred unknowingly.
How Many Pills Should I Take?
Treatment consists of TWO tablets.
Each tablet contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel.
Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
When Should You Take Postinor-2?
Take the first tablet as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The sooner that you take the first tablet, the more effective it is likely to be. The first tablet should be taken no later than 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse.
Take the second tablet exactly 12 hours after the first tablet.
There’s a new guideline to say that you can take both tablets at the same time as long as they are both taken within 72 hours.
The tablet can be taken with or without food. It can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle. Take Postinor-2 exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
What are the Side Effects?
In clinical studies, the most commonly reported side effects with its use were headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and irregular menses.
Thankfully, Postinor is often well tolerated and most people do not experience major difficulties with it.
However, if you were to vomit the medication just after taking it, speak to the doctor for a replacement tablet – otherwise, the contraceptive effect may not work.
Speak to your doctor at Dame if you do not feel well while you are taking the medication.
Who Should Not Take Postinor-2?
Do not take if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. It is not effective. Always speak to your doctor at Dame if you are not sure.
Do not take if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, or to any of its ingredients. Be sure to tell your doctors at Dame about your allergies.
When is it An Emergency?
According to the WHO, emergency contraception can be used in such situations following sexual intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy. These include:
Condom Mishap
Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. The condom broke, slipped off or it just was not used correctly. Emergency contraception can help in such situations to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
Missed Birth Control Pills
Life can get busy, and we may occasionally forget to take our birth control pills as prescribed. If you have missed a dose or two, using emergency contraception alongside your regular pills can offer extra protection. Always speak to your doctor for advice.
Unprotected Sex
Sometimes spontaneity takes over, and we might have unprotected sex. Whether it’s a one-time thing or a slip-up, emergency contraception can be a smart move to prevent pregnancy.
Sexual Assault
In the unfortunate event of sexual assault, emergency contraception can be essential. It is crucial to seek medical help and support from professionals in such cases. You can seek help in Singapore HERE.
Failure of Other Birth Control Methods
When there is concern of possible contraceptive failure from improper or incorrect use, emergency contraception is a useful back-up option. If you suspect something is amiss, our doctors at Dame are always ready to help.
Follow-Up Care
At Dame, there is no need to feel ashamed or judged. Emergency contraception, or the “morning-after pill” is something many of us might need at some point in our lives. It is like a backup plan for when things do not go as expected.
If you find yourself in such a situation, we are here to guide and support. You can be in control of your reproductive health. We tell you what to expect after taking the pill.
How Do I Know If Postinor-2 Has Worked?
After taking the pill, you may experience some spotting or bleeding within two to three days.
You can anticipate your period within 3 weeks of taking Postinor-2. Your next period usually starts within a week from your expected date. However, some women may have their period later or earlier than normal.
If you do not have a period within 3 weeks of taking the pill, you should perform a pregnancy test. Also, if you experience heavy bleeding with abdominal pain or have any doubt about being pregnant, speak to your doctor at Dame.
Can I Still Get Pregnant After Taking Postinor-2?
If you are already pregnant before taking Postinor-2, it will not work. There is also a possibility that the medication failed to prevent the pregnancy. Additional intercourse after using the medication can also result in a positive test.
Be reassured, as there are no known adverse effects on pregnancy. The use of this medication has not been associated with congenital anomalies when pregnancy does occur.
What if the Pregnancy Test is Positive After Taking Postinor-2?
If you do become pregnant after taking the pill, it is important to inform your doctor when it was taken.
As for any pregnancy, your doctor may want to check that the pregnancy is not outside the womb. This is especially important if you have severe stomach pain or bleeding or if you previously had a pregnancy outside the womb, tubal surgery or long-term genital infection.
Will Taking Postinor-2 Affect My Chances of Pregnancy in the Future?
It does not negatively affect your future fertility.
I Vomited After Taking Postinor-2. What Should I Do?
If you vomit within 3 hours after taking the tablet, your medication may not be as effective. Contact our support team, you will need to discuss with your doctor at Dame the need for an additional dose of the medication.
Important Considerations
Can I use Postinor-2 as a regular form of birth control?
It is not intended for regular use and should only be used as an emergency contraceptive.
If you use it more than once in a menstrual cycle, it can cause your menses to be irregular and result in unwanted side effects due to exposure to higher levels of hormones.
Other forms of birth control are a lot more effective and less stressful to the body.
Always speak to your doctors at Dame. We are here to navigate this journey with you.
When can I continue my regular birth control?
You can continue your regular birth control method immediately after taking Postinor-2. It is important to add a reliable barrier method (e.g. a condom or a diaphragm with spermicide) for the next seven days.
This is because it can make hormonal contraception less effective. This includes birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches and vaginal rings. Always speak to your doctors at Dame when in doubt.
Can I take Postinor-2 if I am breastfeeding?
Yes, however, Postinor-2 is excreted in breast milk. After taking the pill, breastfeeding is not recommended for three days.
During this time, it is recommended to express and discard the breast milk in order to stimulate lactation. Always check with your doctor at Dame if you are not sure.
Postinor-2 in Singapore
Is it the Only Option in Singapore?
No. At Dame, we simplify emergency contraception for you.
You can read about the difference between Ella and Postinor-2 in detail here.
Where Can I Get Postinor-2?
In Singapore, access to this medication would require a prescription, and that would mean a consultation with a doctor as well. However, not all clinics have emergency contraception and it would be wise to call ahead of time to check.
Time is of the essence here as the effectiveness of Postinor-2 decreases with time.
With a timeframe of up to 72 hours, it can be a stressful process of looking up the different clinics contact numbers and operating hours.
Furthermore, you must attend the doctor’s consultation in order to obtain a prescription. No one can obtain morning after pills on your behalf. This adds travelling costs and time, and queuing and waiting times at the clinic.
Dame Can Help You Now
Dame is a telemedicine clinic bringing you direct-to-home women’s health treatment in Singapore powered by The Cloud Clinic, licensed with Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH).
- Same day consultation always available
- Delivery within 4 hours of consultation
- Discreet packaging and delivery
We require consultations to be completed before 4 pm for 4-hour discreet delivery, but we are actively working on enabling urgent morning-after pill requests after office hours.
You can contact us via our whatsapp hotline +65 8892 8269 to see if we can help you on an urgent basis.
Prices start from $64, which includes consultation and free discreet delivery.
Time is of the essence. Click here to get your same-day order.
Summary
Postinor-2 is a safe and effective emergency contraceptive pill available in Singapore. When used correctly and promptly after unprotected intercourse, it can significantly reduce the chances of unintended pregnancy.
Dame provides women in Singapore with easy access to emergency contraception like Postinor-2, providing a peace of mind. Remember, though, that it should be used as a last resort and not as a regular contraceptive method. If you find yourself in a situation where you require emergency contraception, our doctors at Dame are readily available to guide you on its appropriate use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there any age restrictions for purchasing Postinor-2 in Singapore?
No, but the legal age to have sex in Singapore is 16 years old. Prescribing emergency contraception is at the discretion of your doctor, who would need to assess your suitability, both medically and psychologically.
Here at Dame, your safety and health is our top priority. While you are encouraged to inform your parents too, it is not mandatory for them to join in the consultation.
Q: I used Postinor-2 last week. Can I take it again this week?
Repeated administration of Postinor-2 within the same menstrual cycle is not advisable.
The safety and efficacy of Postinor-2 after repeated administration within the same menstrual cycle has not been studied.
Q: How soon after taking Postinor-2 should I expect my period?
After taking Postinor-2, you may experience some spotting or bleeding within two to three days after taking the tablet.
You can anticipate your period within 3 weeks of taking Postinor-2. Your next period usually starts within a week from your expected date. However, some women may have their period later or earlier than normal.
Q: Are there any long-term side effects of using Postinor-2?
No, it doesn’t have any known long-term side effects. It is intended for short-term use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or under-protected intercourse.
Q: Can I obtain Postinor-2 for “standby use”?
Yes, prescribing emergency contraception is at the discretion of your doctor, who would need to assess your suitability, both medically and psychologically. Postinor-2 can be prescribed for “standby use” on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Why is Postinor-2 cheaper than Ella?
Postinor-2, compared to Ella, is an older agent on the market. The development of generic versions of Postinor-2 has brought down its cost compared to Ella
You can read more about the difference between Postinor-2 and Ella here.
Disclaimer: Articles on Dame are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a licensed doctor for personalised medical advice.
Speak with a Licensed Doctor Online
Our doctors are experienced in women’s health and provide confidential consultations through our secure telemedicine platform. If you have questions about symptoms, treatment options or your overall health, our team can help guide you with evidence-based medical advice.
Speak with a Licensed Doctor Online
Our doctors are experienced in women’s health and provide confidential consultations through our secure telemedicine platform. If you have questions about symptoms, treatment options or your overall health, our team can help guide you with evidence-based medical advice.
