Emergency Contraception Gdańsk - Morning-After Pill

Emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or when contraception fails, for example if a condom breaks. Options include the morning-after pill and a copper intrauterine device (IUD).

Time matters — seek advice as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next morning or until your period is due. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, emergency contraception consultations are available with Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun.

When should you consider emergency contraception?

• After sex without contraception.
• If a condom breaks or slips off.
• After a mistake with hormonal contraception that may have reduced protection against pregnancy.
• If an intrauterine device has come out or another situation has left you unsure about your contraceptive protection.

Not every missed pill requires emergency contraception. Advice depends on the contraceptive product, the number of missed doses, the timing within the cycle and how long ago you had sex.

How long after sex can you take the morning-after pill?

There are two types of oral emergency contraception. They differ in their active ingredient, the time limit for taking them and the instructions for continuing hormonal contraception afterwards.

Ulipristal acetate — within 120 hours, or 5 days

A tablet containing ulipristal acetate should be taken as soon as possible, no later than 120 hours after unprotected sex. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation. Oral emergency contraception is not effective once ovulation has already occurred.

Levonorgestrel — within 72 hours, or 3 days

According to the Polish prescribing information, a tablet containing levonorgestrel should be taken as soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after sex. It also works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation.

Do not combine the two types of morning-after pill yourself. The choice depends on factors including the time since sex, your current contraception and any medicines you take.

The copper IUD as emergency contraception

The copper intrauterine device, also known as a copper coil, is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can usually be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex. In certain circumstances, a doctor may consider fitting it later, provided no more than 5 days have passed since the estimated date of ovulation.

Once fitted, the copper IUD can remain in place as long-term contraception. An assessment is required to exclude pregnancy and check whether it is suitable for you. Please contact reception to confirm whether fitting is available within the required timeframe.

Does body weight affect the morning-after pill?

A higher body weight or BMI may be associated with reduced effectiveness of oral emergency contraception, particularly levonorgestrel. However, the evidence does not establish a single weight threshold above which a pill will definitely not work.

Tell your doctor your weight to help them recommend an appropriate method. Do not delay seeking advice or taking a recommended pill because of concerns about your weight. The effectiveness of the copper IUD is not affected by body weight.

Do you need a prescription for emergency contraception in Poland?

In Poland, oral emergency contraception requires a prescription. A doctor can prescribe it after assessing your circumstances — this does not have to be a gynaecologist. A pharmacist at a pharmacy participating in the relevant programme may also prescribe ulipristal acetate if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What should you tell the doctor?

• When you had unprotected sex and whether there were any other episodes during this cycle.
• When your last period started and whether your cycles are regular.
• Which contraception you use and what went wrong, if applicable.
• Which medicines and herbal products you take or have taken in recent weeks.
• Whether you are breastfeeding, have any long-term medical conditions or suspect you may already be pregnant.

Certain medicines, including some treatments for epilepsy and tuberculosis, and herbal products containing St John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of the morning-after pill. A pregnancy test taken immediately after sex cannot exclude a pregnancy resulting from that intercourse.

Hormonal contraception after the morning-after pill

• After ulipristal acetate, you should usually wait 5 full days before starting or restarting hormonal contraception, meaning you begin on day 6. Taking a progestogen sooner may reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraception.
• After levonorgestrel, you can start or continue hormonal contraception immediately.

Use condoms or avoid sex during any waiting period and until your regular method provides effective protection. Your doctor will explain how long additional precautions are needed for your specific method. The morning-after pill does not protect against pregnancy from further unprotected sex.

Side effects and vomiting after the morning-after pill

Possible side effects include nausea, headache, lower abdominal discomfort, spotting and a period that arrives earlier or later than expected. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, you will need another dose — contact a doctor or pharmacist promptly.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

Take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after the most recent episode of unprotected sex. Test sooner as well if your period is significantly late, unusually light or you develop symptoms of pregnancy. A test taken too early may need to be repeated.

Severe or one-sided lower abdominal pain, fainting or heavy bleeding requires urgent medical assessment, particularly if you have a positive pregnancy test.

Does emergency contraception end a pregnancy?

No. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and does not end an established pregnancy. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency contraception in Gdańsk — book a consultation

At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, located at 2 Tartaczna Street in Gdańsk’s Śródmieście district, consultations are available with Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun.

When contacting reception, explain that you need emergency contraception and say how much time has passed since sex. If an appointment is not available within the required timeframe, seek another available consultation or a pharmacy offering pharmacist prescribing for emergency contraception.

Call +48 58 719 10 25, see our reception contact details or check appointments on ZnanyLekarz.