Updated April 2023

On This Page:

• What Type of Drug is Postinor-2?
  
• How Postinor-2 Works
  
• Side Effects of Postinor-2
  
• Can Postinor-2 Cause Infertility?
  
• Is the Effect of Postinor-2 Permanent?

What Type of Drug is Postinor 2?

Postinor-2 is a widely used emergency contraceptive, but it’s common to have questions about how it works, when to take it, and its effects. In this updated guide, we’ve grouped 22 FAQs into clear sections to help you understand Postinor-2 more effectively.

What Type of Drug is Postinor-2?

Postinor-2 is an emergency contraceptive that contains Levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone. Each pack has two tablets of 750 mcg each.

It works best when taken before ovulation, ideally within 24 hours of unprotected sex. Its effectiveness declines with time:

• Within 24 hrs: 95%
  
• 24-48 hrs: 85%
  
• 48-72 hrs: 58%

These timeframes align with NHS info on levonorgestrel-based pills (NHS).

How Postinor 2 Works

1. Can I take Postinor-2 while pregnant?
   It’s not recommended. If taken unknowingly during early pregnancy, no harm is known.
   
2. How should I take Postinor-2 for a fast effect?
   Take the first tablet ASAP, then the second 12 hours later, within 72 hours.
   
3. How do I know if Postinor-2 worked?
   Wait for your period. If it’s over 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
   
4. Can I take it after 3 days?
   It’s not recommended. Effectiveness drops sharply after 72 hours.
   
5. When in my cycle should I take Postinor-2?
   Best before ovulation – days 9-12 in a regular 28-day cycle.

Side Effects Of Postinor 2

6. How to take the P2 pill effectively?
   Take the first tablet immediately after sex, the second after 12 hours. Vomiting within 2 hours? Repeat the dose.
   
7. Does it flush out sperm?
   No, it delays ovulation and may affect sperm movement, but it doesn’t ‘flush’ sperm.
   
8. What are common side effects?
   Headaches, nausea, cramps, fatigue, irregular bleeding.
   
9. When is Postinor-2 effective?
   Most effective before ovulation and within 24 hours after sex.
   
10. Is it safe for breastfeeding mothers?
    Yes, take the tablet after breastfeeding and use expressed milk for a few hours.

Can Postinor 2 Cause Infertility?

11. Does it affect the womb or future fertility?
    No, effects are temporary and do not impact long-term fertility.
    
12. Does it work during ovulation?
    No, it works best before ovulation.
    
13. Can it delay menstruation?
    Yes, your period may come earlier or later by a few days.
    
14. Can it cause infertility long-term?
    No evidence supports this. Cycle irregularities are temporary.
    
15. How long can it delay periods?
    Up to 7+ days. Test for pregnancy if delayed more than a week.If it’s taking more than a couple of weeks, and a blood pregnancy test is negative, we could consider other possible causes

16. Can it end a pregnancy?
    No, it is not an abortion pill and won’t terminate a pregnancy.
    
17. How many times can I take it in a month?
    Ideally no more than once per cycle. Frequent use may disrupt periods.
    
18. Can it cause bleeding?
    Yes, spotting or irregular bleeding is common. Watch this video to learn more – the hormone can cause irregular bleeding unrelated to menses. It can also affect the menses, making them come earlier or later than usual, complicating the bleeding picture.
    
19. Why does it sometimes fail?
    Our video here explains why the emergency contraception pill may fail. 

In summary:

• You have not followed the dosing instructions
• Taking it after ovulation
• Failing to repeat the dose if you vomit within 2 hours of taking the tablet
• Taking the wrong dose – especially applies if you are overweight. According to guidelines from the UK’s Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, the standard Postinor 2 dose may not work for you if you weigh over 70 kg (154 lbs) or your BMI is greater than 26. Hence, doctors recommend a higher dose for plus-sized ladies.
• The pill is not 100% effective; it can typically prevent 85 out of 100 pregnancies when taken correctly, so it may simply be a case of the 15% chance it will not work. This is why we advise all women who use an emergency contraception pill to do a pregnancy test once their next period is delayed by more than seven days from its expected date.
  

20. How much is too much?
    Using more than once per month can disturb your cycle and reduce effectiveness. Any of the following could be considered as taking the pill ‘too much’:

• Everyday
• Once or twice every week
• every month or every 2-3 months, etc

The other (also significant problem) is that Postinor 2 is not as effective as long-term methods for preventing pregnancy. Taking the emergency contraception pill can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Is Postinor 2 effect permanent?

21. long does it stay in the body?
    It reaches peak levels within 2 hours, and its half-life is 26 hours.
    
22. Can I take both pills at once?
    Yes. Some brands offer a single 1.5 mg tablet (like Plan B). Taking both Postinor-2 tablets together is nearly as effective.

Final Notes

Among emergency contraception methods, Postinor 2 is probably the easiest for you to get a hold of. Increasing confidence in its use and clearing up any misconceptions is important.

• Postinor-2 is safe, but not a regular contraception method.
  
• Do not rely on it frequently; consider long-term options.
  
• Always consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Have more questions? Leave them in the comments or explore our Emergency Contraception Hub.

References:

Emergency contraception
Morning-after pill
How to take the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)
Emergency Contraception Guide – A Bridge Toward Regular Contraception
4 Common Risk Conditions for Early Pregnancy Bleeding
FSRH Guideline: Emergency Contraception
Wahala! Bleeding after Emergency Birth Control Pill – Did it Work? | Delayed Period – Explained
Vaginal Bleeding On Your Morning After Pill – What it means | Has The Pill Worked?

More Reading

• Delayed Periods! How Late Can My Period Be After Taking Plan B?
• Postinor 2 – Know Where To Find Effective Emergency Contraception
• Emergency Pill Wahala! Why’s My Period All Over The Place?
• Period Sex, Ampicillin and Two Other Birth Control Myths To Avoid
• Take These Ten Steps To Make Sure Postinor-2 Pills Work Properly

Editing by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising  Medical Practitioners on various healthcare conditions to help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace a qualified healthcare practitioner’s management of your specific condition.
To discuss your condition, please get in touch with a health practitioner or reach us directly

Image Credits: Unsplash