What is levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive tablet used to prevent unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure during sexual intercourse. Contraceptive failure may occur when a daily birth control pill is taken incorrectly, a condom isn’t used properly, or a condom breaks during sex. Levonorgestrel is also the active ingredient in some IUDs and the contraceptive arm implant
In the pill formulation, levonorgestrel should not be used in place of regular birth control or contraceptive measures. It is intended to be used as an emergency backup if other forms of birth control fail.
The levonorgestrel pill is widely available over the counter. It can be taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex, but is more effective the sooner is taken. It is important to note that levonorgestrel is strictly a form of contraception. It cannot terminate an existing pregnancy, or protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).