Morning After Pill

Know about morning after pill or speak to AHPRA-accredited online doctors or medical practitioners to get medical advice, within just 15 minutes, 24/7.

This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

About morning after pill

The morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception, is a form of birth control intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (like a broken condom). It’s most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 24-72 hours, depending on the pill type. The morning-after pill is not intended as regular birth control and doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception used to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Speak to a licensed medical practitioner online within 15 minutes and seek medical advice.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

In Australia, the morning-after pill is available as an over-the-counter medication without the need for a prescription. However, it’s essential to consult a medical practitioner and seek advice in case you are unsure of dosage or if you have persistent side effects.

Also, it is important to get regular contraception in case you are planning to avoid pregnancy for a certain period. Consult a doctor if:

  • Dosage: If you are unsure of the dosage to be taken or which pill should be taken
  • Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer or severe asthma.
  • Persistent side effects: If you are experiencing severe side effects that do not subside with time
  • Potential pregnancy signs: If you feel pregnant or have signs of pregnancy a week later
  • Regular contraception: Occasional use of morning-after pill is fine but it isn’t intended to be used as regular contraception.

Please note: Morning-after pill can be managed through medications or via telehealth. For severe symptoms, dial 000 or visit the nearest hospital.

You can use a morning-after pill if:

  • If you have had unprotected sex
  • The condom broke during intercourse
  • If you have missed one or more of your usual contraceptive pills
  • If you have taken your regular contraceptive pills but have diarrhoea or vomiting
  • In case of emergencies where you want to avoid pregnancy

There are 2 types of morning-after pills available in Australia. They are levonorgestrel pills, also known as LNG pills and ulipristal pills, also known as UPA pills. Depending on the time you have had unprotected sex, your doctor might suggest either of these pills. It is always better to get medical advice before taking the morning-after pill. Some may experience mild and short-term side effects after taking the morning-after pills, such as:

  • Nausea
  • Sore breasts
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle

It is important to understand what to expect after taking a morning-after pill. Yes, the morning-after pill can affect your menstrual cycle as your next period may come earlier, later or be heavier. You might also experience spotting. If your period is over a week late after the morning-after pill, it is advised to take a pregnancy test.

No, the morning-after pill is only for emergency use, and regular usage might lead to other side effects, such as an irregular
menstrual cycle. For regular contraception, it is important to contact a doctor and discuss which contraception method
would be better for you.

Yes, an online doctor can help if a GP near you isn’t available. Hola Health provides telehealth consultations where a doctor
can assess your needs and offer advice on emergency contraception, including the morning-after pill.

Yes, you can get medical advice about the morning-after pill from a virtual doctor in Australia. Virtual doctors on reputable platforms are your regular doctors licensed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and are fully qualified to provide medical consultations. They can assess your situation, offer guidance on emergency contraception, and, if needed, provide a prescription. This makes it easy to access safe and effective care, even if a local GP is unavailable.

Telehealth gives the convenience and flexibility to speak to a registered doctor online through instant consults. Seek medical advice 24/7, in a private setting, paving the way for open discussion without the stigma associated with certain medications or illnesses.

To speak to an online doctor, choose the type of consultation you need, fill in details and wait for the doctor to connect with you instantly. Here are some of the benefits of telehealth:

  • 24/7 access: Speak to a medical practitioner after hours, on weekends and holidays.
  • Quick consultations: Speak to a doctor online within 15 minutes with Hola Health’s telehealth appointments.
  • Instant scripts: Get online prescriptions within 15 minutes and get medicines delivered home through pharmacy delivery at your
    convenience.
  • Reduced stigma: Speak comfortably without the fear of being overheard with an online doctor and get instant medical advice.

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

Access telehealth services