Emergency Contraception Guide 2026: Morning After Pills, IUD

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to the methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse.

When should I take emergency contraception?

For optimal effectiveness, EC should be administered promptly after unprotected sexual intercourse, ideally within a 5-day window. It's important to note that EC is ineffective if pregnancy has already been established.

What are the types of emergency contraception available in the market?

There are two types of EC:

• The copper intrauterine device (IUD)

• EC pills. There are three types of EC pills:

  • Ulipristal

  • Levonorgestrel pills (morning-after pill)

  • Combined EC pills.

How can I get morning-after pills in Singapore?

In Singapore, the "morning-after pill" is available only by prescription from a qualified doctor, including general practitioners. While most physicians can prescribe the pills, not all clinics stock them or have staff experienced in women's health issues. It's important to consult a doctor who can address your concerns without judgement.

Given the time-sensitive nature of morning-after pills (it's most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse), we recommend visiting a women's health clinic, such as Thomson Women's Clinic, which has 11 locations across Singapore.

Important: The woman requiring EC must consult the doctor herself. Partners cannot obtain the prescription on her behalf.

How effective is emergency contraception?

• The effectiveness of ulipristal is more than 85%, and it maintains a higher degree of effectiveness between 72 and 120 hours.³

• Levonorgestrel can be taken as a single dose of 1.5 mg or two 0.75-mg doses taken at the same time or 12 hours apart within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.³ There is decreased effectiveness as time passes after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness ranges from 58% to 79%.

• Combined EC pills are 56% to 86% effective, depending on the timeliness of use after unprotected intercourse; they are most effective when used within 72 hours and are less effective when used 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.³

• A copper-bearing IUD is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when inserted within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. This is the most effective form of emergency contraception available.

Need more information on which type of contraception might suit you best? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to get evaluated and receive advice on the best course of action based on your unique lifestyle. 

Who needs emergency contraception?

EC is particularly relevant for:

• Those forgetting to take several birth control pills in a row

• Concerns about possible contraceptive failure

• Those not using a birth control method during sexual intercourse and do not intend to get pregnant

• Women who have been sexually assaulted

How to take emergency contraception?

• IUD:

  • The copper IUD has to be inserted into the uterus by a certified and trained gynaecologist and can be removed during or after the next period.

• EC pills:

  • Some can be bought over the counter without a prescription. Others require a prescription. For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended to take EC pills as soon as possible following unprotected sexual intercourse. Although they can be used up to 5 days after the event, their ability to prevent pregnancy decreases with time, making prompt use crucial.

What are the pros and cons of emergency contraception?

Pros

• The EC pill is easy to take, accessible to most individuals, and readily available. It can be prescribed by any healthcare provider, and certain varieties are obtainable over the counter at an economical price.

• It is considered safe, with no long-term side effects reported.

• There are no adverse effects on infants born after an unsuccessful use of emergency contraception.

• The emergency IUD offers a durable option for contraception. Once inserted, it can serve as a long-term, reversible contraceptive method for up to 5 years, depending on the type of IUD selected. This flexibility makes the emergency IUD a practical choice for those seeking immediate emergency contraception with the option for extended protection.

Cons

• It’s not as effective as regular contraception. Taking it doesn’t guarantee that you won't get pregnant.

• It doesn’t provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

• Taking the pill may cause some irregular bleeding or disrupt your periods, causing them to come earlier or later than expected. This is more likely to happen when it’s taken more than once.

• The IUD needs to be inserted by a specially trained doctor, so it is not easily accessible. It can cause pain and discomfort during insertion, and there’s a small chance of developing an infection.

What are the side effects of emergency contraceptives?

EC pills have not been shown to cause any serious complications. Your next period may not occur at the expected time. 

Other short-term side effects of EC pills can include the following:

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting (especially if you are taking combined EC pills)

• Breast tenderness

• Abdominal pain

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Irregular bleeding/spotting

With the copper IUD, menstrual pain and bleeding may increase in the first few months of use.

Where to get emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is available at government health clinics, some general practitioner clinics, some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, or hospital emergency departments.

Managing your contraception often requires a tailored approach based on your needs. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to explore your available options and receive guidance aligned with your health and fertility goals.

FAQ

Is there anything that decreases the effectiveness of emergency contraception pills?

When can you start taking emergency contraception after giving birth?

Will emergency contraception delay my period?

Does emergency contraception work during ovulation?

Is the morning-after pill legal in Singapore?

Can my boyfriend buy the morning-after pill for me?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today. 

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2021

2. World Health Organization

3. MICHELE C. BOSWORTH, MD, PATTI L. OLUSOLA, MD, AND SARAH B. LOW, MD. Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(7):545-550