Emergency Contraception Singapore
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bosty Chan – MBChB (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), Cert. in Andrology
Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Key Information
Emergency contraception helps reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works best when taken as soon as possible and requires a doctor’s prescription in Singapore. Dame offers discreet online consultations with Singapore-licensed doctors, followed by fast doorstep delivery of doctor-prescribed emergency contraception, including Postinor-2 and Ella, seven days a week.
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Emergency Contraception in Singapore: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve had unprotected sex or your usual contraception didn’t work as planned, emergency contraception can help reduce the risk of an unintended pregnancy. Because timing matters, it’s important to understand your options and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Emergency contraception, often called the morning after pill, is a medication taken after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure to help prevent pregnancy. Contrary to its name, it does not have to be taken the next morning. Depending on the medication prescribed, it may still be effective for up to five days after unprotected sex. However, the earlier it is taken, the more effective it is likely to be.
In Singapore, emergency contraception is a prescription-only medication. This means you must first consult a Singapore-licensed doctor before receiving treatment. Through telemedicine, you can complete your consultation online without needing to visit a physical clinic, allowing you to access treatment quickly and discreetly when time is critical.
You may benefit from emergency contraception if you have experienced:
- Unprotected vaginal intercourse
- A condom that broke, slipped or leaked
- Forgotten birth control pills
- Delayed contraceptive injection
- Incorrect use of contraception
- Sexual assault or non-consensual intercourse
- Uncertainty about whether your contraception worked
Many women worry that taking the morning after pill is the same as having an abortion. It is not.
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy before it occurs by delaying or preventing ovulation. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy and will not work if implantation has already occurred. It is therefore completely different from a medical abortion pill.
There are two commonly prescribed emergency contraceptive pills available in Singapore:
Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel) is usually prescribed within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) may be prescribed up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and may be suitable in certain situations where more time has passed.
During your consultation, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate medication after considering factors such as:
- How many hours have passed
- Your menstrual cycle
- Current medications
- Medical history
- Body weight and other clinical considerations
Although emergency contraception is highly effective, it should not replace regular contraception. It is designed for unexpected situations rather than routine use. If you frequently require emergency contraception, your doctor may also discuss longer-term birth control options that better suit your lifestyle.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that waiting a day or two makes little difference. In reality, emergency contraception becomes less effective as time passes. Every hour counts. Seeking medical advice promptly gives you the best chance of preventing pregnancy.
At Dame, our Singapore-licensed doctors provide confidential, evidence-based advice without judgement. If emergency contraception is medically appropriate, your medication can be prescribed and delivered discreetly to your doorstep, allowing you to receive treatment quickly while maintaining your privacy.
Which Emergency Contraceptive Pill is Right for You?
Both Postinor-2 and Ella are approved emergency contraceptive medications prescribed in Singapore. While both aim to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, they differ in how long after intercourse they can be used and which situations they may be most suitable for.
Postinor-2
- Contains levonorgestrel
- Usually prescribed within 72 hours
- Most effective when taken as early as possible
- Widely used following condom failure or missed contraception
Ella
- Contains ulipristal acetate
- May be prescribed up to 120 hours (5 days)
- May be suitable when more time has passed
- Works by delaying ovulation even when it may be approaching
The most appropriate option depends on your individual circumstances. Rather than choosing based solely on how much time has passed, your doctor will also consider your menstrual cycle, medical history and any medications you are currently taking.
If you’re unsure which emergency contraceptive pill is suitable, don’t delay treatment. Start your consultation as soon as possible and our doctors will guide you through the safest option.
When Should You Seek Emergency Contraception?
Many women aren’t sure whether their situation actually requires emergency contraception. If you’re asking yourself whether you should take the morning after pill, it’s usually worth speaking to a doctor as soon as possible.
Emergency contraception may be recommended if:
- The condom broke or slipped off
- You had unprotected vaginal sex
- You missed multiple birth control pills
- You were late receiving your contraceptive injection
- You accidentally removed your contraceptive patch or ring too early
- You experienced sexual assault
- You are uncertain whether pregnancy is possible
Some women choose to “wait and see” because they think pregnancy is unlikely. Unfortunately, ovulation can be difficult to predict, especially if your menstrual cycle is irregular. Delaying treatment may reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraception.
If you are unsure, the safest approach is to seek medical advice immediately. A doctor can assess your risk, explain your options and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Dr. Bosty Chan – MBChB (UK), MRCS
(Edinburgh), Cert. in Andrology
How Effective is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as early as possible after unprotected sex. While some medications remain effective for several days, delaying treatment may reduce the likelihood of preventing pregnancy.
Generally speaking:
- Within 24 hours offers the highest effectiveness.
- Within 72 hours, Postinor-2 remains an appropriate option for many women.
- Between 72 and 120 hours, Ella may still be prescribed depending on your clinical assessment.
Your doctor will determine which medication is appropriate based on the timing of intercourse, your menstrual cycle and other medical considerations.
Several factors can influence effectiveness, including:
Timing
The earlier emergency contraception is taken, the better it works.
Ovulation
Emergency contraception mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, it may be less effective.
Vomiting
If you vomit within a few hours of taking the medication, you should contact your doctor promptly, as another dose may be required.
Body Weight
Certain emergency contraceptive medications may be less effective in women with a higher body weight or BMI. Your doctor will consider this during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Your Next Period
Your next menstrual period may arrive a few days earlier or later than expected. This is a common effect of emergency contraception and usually settles without treatment.
If your period is more than one week late, significantly lighter than usual, or you develop symptoms of pregnancy, you should take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor.
It is also important to remember that emergency contraception only helps prevent pregnancy from the episode of unprotected sex that has already occurred. It does not continue protecting you for the rest of your menstrual cycle. If you have unprotected sex again afterwards, you may still become pregnant.
For ongoing protection, your doctor can also discuss regular contraceptive options that may better suit your needs.
Emergency contraception has been used safely by millions of women worldwide and is supported by international clinical guidelines. Most women experience either no side effects or only mild temporary symptoms such as nausea, headache, breast tenderness, fatigue or slight changes to their next period.
If you experience severe abdominal pain several weeks after taking emergency contraception or receive a positive pregnancy test, seek medical attention promptly, as further assessment may be required.
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Dr. Bosty Chan is a medical doctor with over 10 years of clinical experience in the United Kingdom and Singapore. He graduated from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh). With a clinical interest in telemedicine and digital health, Dr. Chan is passionate about making professional, evidence-based care accessible, discreet and convenient.
He serves as the lead physician at Dame and Sire, telemedicine platforms based in Singapore, where he focuses on accessible, technology-enabled healthcare.
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Dr Bosty Chan
Medical Director – Dame & Sire (Cloud Clinic)
MBChB (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), Cert. in Andrology
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