POSTINOR 2: How Effective Is It in Preventing Pregnancy? Is It Safe or Dangerous?

All You Need to Know About Using Postinor to Prevent Pregnancy

One of the questions I get asked most frequently (especially by single ladies) is about the effectiveness and safety of using Postinor 2 to prevent pregnancy. “Does it really work?” “Isn’t it dangerous?” “I hope I won’t become barren!”

I often get bombarded with these types of questions. In this article, I will help answer their questions, calm their fears, and highlight the potential dangers.

For clarity, I will divide this article into two parts: Part 1 and Part 2.

Part 1: Is Postinor Effective? Does It Work?

Part 2: Is Postinor Dangerous? Is It Safe?

Note: This article also applies to other emergency contraception products that contain Levonorgestrel.

Part 1: Is Postinor Effective? Does It Work?

1. Postinor is not an abortion drug.

Postinor is a contraceptive, not an abortion drug. There is a big difference. Abortion means pregnancy has occurred, and the baby is removed. Contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring in the first place. Postinor is for pregnancy prevention, not termination. If you are already pregnant, Postinor will not work — it won’t harm the baby or affect the pregnancy.

2. Postinor must be taken as early as possible.

The key to ensuring it works is this: the earlier, the better! The sooner you take the drug after sex, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy. After 72 hours (three days), there is no guarantee that Postinor will work.

If taken early enough and within 72 hours, Postinor prevents pregnancy up to 85% of the time, which is a high success rate.

There is no way to know immediately if Postinor has worked to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, you might have to wait for your next period — if it comes, the drug worked.

3. There is a wrong way of taking Postinor.

This is the right way:

If the pack contains one tablet, take that single tablet immediately after sex, and within 72 hours.

If the pack contains two tablets, do not take both tablets at once! (This could reduce effectiveness.) Instead, take one tablet immediately and the second tablet 12 hours later.

Always check the expiry date on the pack before taking Postinor!

Part 2: Is Postinor Dangerous? Is It Safe?

1. Postinor doesn’t affect future pregnancy; it doesn’t cause infertility.

Postinor should not be taken more than once in a menstrual cycle. Ideally, you should not take Postinor more than once a month. It is not a regular contraceptive but an emergency contraceptive. It is reserved for emergency situations like unplanned unprotected sex, condom failure, rape, or failure of other birth control methods.

If you have sex regularly, consider using other methods of contraception to avoid taking Postinor more than once in a cycle.

Taking Postinor frequently could cause serious changes in your menstrual cycle, such as:

Your period arriving too early or too late

Heavy menstrual flow or scanty flow

Your period occurring more frequently than usual

Severe menstrual pain

NB: If you experience any of the above and are concerned, see your doctor.

But really, that’s all — Postinor doesn’t cause infertility or affect your ability to conceive in the future.

2. Postinor has side effects.

Like all drugs, Postinor has side effects, but they are usually mild and not a cause for concern. In some cases, the side effects are so mild you might not even notice them. If you do notice side effects and they are not severe, there’s no need to worry.

Some common side effects of Postinor include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, breast tenderness, and so on.

See your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding.

3. Postinor may be dangerous in certain situations.

Taking Postinor in certain situations may be risky. If you suspect you are already pregnant, consult your doctor before taking it.

Some conditions where taking Postinor might be dangerous include:

If you have diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, breast cancer, or a history of stroke

If you are breastfeeding

If you are still a child

If you are taking medications for TB, HIV, or epilepsy

Even though Postinor is available as an over-the-counter drug in many countries (meaning you don’t need a prescription), I still advise you to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Remember, contraception is safer, better, cheaper, and more socially and religiously acceptable than abortion. Choose wisely!