Morning-After Pill Singapore
Help Prevent Pregnancy, Up to 5 Days After Sex
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is the Morning-After Pill?
The morning-after pill is emergency contraception that lowers the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. You can also take it when your usual contraception fails, such as when a condom breaks or slips off.
Despite its name, you do not need to wait until the next morning. The sooner you take it, the more likely it is to work.
The morning-after pill is a backup for occasional use, not a regular form of contraception. For ongoing protection, a daily method such as birth control pills is more suitable.
The morning-after pill does not end a pregnancy that has already started, so it is not an abortion pill.
How Does the Morning-After Pill Work?
The morning-after pill works mainly by delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Sperm can survive inside the body for up to 5 days after sex. If no egg is released while they are still alive, there is no egg for them to fertilise, and pregnancy cannot happen.
Types of Morning-After Pill
Two types of morning-after pills are available in Singapore, and they differ in how long after sex you can take them. Both are more likely to work the sooner they are taken.
Ulipristal Acetate (Ella®)
Ulipristal acetate pills, such as Ella®, can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which delays ovulation.
Levonorgestrel (Postinor®)
Levonorgestrel pills, such as Postinor®, should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, ideally within the first 24 hours. Levonorgestrel is a man-made hormone similar to progesterone. In some other countries, it is sold as Plan B.
When and How to Take the Morning-After Pill
You will need to be prescribed the morning-after pill by a doctor, then take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. You may need it if:
- You had sex without contraception
- A condom broke, slipped off or was not used for the whole time
- You missed one or more birth control pills
- You were sexually assaulted
Ella® is taken as one tablet, with or without food. Taking it after a meal may help if you tend to feel sick.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking Ella®, it may not have been absorbed. See your doctor, as you may need another dose.
Let your doctor know about any medicines you take, as some can affect how well the pill works. If you use hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills, follow your doctor's advice on when to restart it.
Need the morning-after pill? Book a same-day consultation or teleconsultation, and our doctors can prescribe it and explain how to take it.
WhatsApp UsHow Effective Is the Morning-After Pill?
The morning-after pill is more likely to prevent pregnancy the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate pills lower the chance of pregnancy by about 85% when taken within 5 days. Levonorgestrel pills lower it by about 75 to 89% when taken within 3 days.
This means that the morning-after pill does not prevent every pregnancy. Your body weight and the point you have reached in your menstrual cycle may also affect how well it works.
Does the Morning-After Pill Work During Ovulation?
The morning-after pill may not work if you have already ovulated, because it prevents pregnancy by delaying the release of an egg. Once an egg has been released, the pill cannot hold it back.
Most people cannot tell exactly when they ovulate. Rather than trying to work out where you are in your cycle, take the pill as soon as you can.
What Are the Side Effects of the Morning-After Pill?
Side effects of the morning-after pill are usually mild and settle on their own. They may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness or tiredness
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting or irregular bleeding before your next period
The morning-after pill can also change the timing of your next period. It usually comes within about a week of when you expect it. If it is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
See a doctor if your side effects are severe or do not settle.
What Are the Risks of the Morning-After Pill?
The morning-after pill is generally well tolerated, and most women can take it. If you are already pregnant, it will not work, and it will not harm the pregnancy.
If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the morning-after pill, such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or an itchy rash over your body, seek medical help straight away.
The morning-after pill does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you had unprotected sex, an STD test can check for infections.
Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. The information here does not replace professional medical advice, so ask a doctor about your concerns before you start a new medicine.
Can You Buy the Morning-After Pill Over the Counter in Singapore?
No. In Singapore, the morning-after pill needs a doctor's prescription, so retail pharmacies such as Watsons and Guardian do not sell it over the counter.
The person who will take the pill needs a medical assessment by a doctor before it can be prescribed. This means a partner cannot get the morning-after pill on your behalf.
"The sooner you take the morning-after pill after unprotected sex, the more likely it is to work, so see a doctor as early as you can. If you are not sure whether you need it, our doctors can talk it through with you without judgement."
Dr Jana Lim
What Is the Cost of the Morning-After Pill in Singapore?
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we provide the morning-after pill with a same-day consultation at our clinics or by teleconsultation. Our prices are as follows:
| Treatment | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Teleconsultation | From $38.15 |
| Morning-After Pill (Ella®) | $43.60 |
*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
We also provide birth control pills for ongoing contraception, which our doctors can discuss with you at the same visit.
