Morning-after pill – emergency contraception
- You only need to fill out one medical form
- The doctor will choose the type of pill based on your health condition
- At Dimedic, consultations regarding the morning-after pill are prioritized – we know time matters
- Emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible
- At Dimedic, you can get a prescription for emergency contraception – Escapelle (effective up to 72 hours after intercourse) or EllaOne (can be taken up to 120 hours after intercourse)
Morning-after pill – emergency contraception
Prescription or consultation with a doctor
If you have concerns about your health and want to speak with a doctor, choose an e-consultation
Which consultation should you choose?
Choose Express e-Prescription if you only need a prescription.
Choose E-Consultation if you've never taken hormonal medication and want to speak with a doctor.
How does it work?
Select a consultation option
Decide whether you want to extend your prescription or talk to your doctor (e.g. to start therapy with a new drug). In the case of psychotropic drugs or strong painkillers, it is necessary to provide data from your IKP or a certificate from your doctor.
Complete the medical questionnaire
Answer a few questions that will help the doctor assess your health. If you are continuing treatment, attach your previous prescription.
Wait for the doctor to contact you
If you have chosen a teleconsultation/videoconsultation, the doctor will call you on the selected date to conduct a consultation. If you have chosen to extend your prescription and are a new patient, the doctor will call to confirm the data from the questionnaire.
Receive your documentation
After the doctor's decision, you will receive a prescription and/or recommendations via text message and e-mail - without leaving your home.
Morning-After Pill – Questions & Answers
What is the morning-after pill?
It's a medication that prevents fertilization of the egg after unprotected intercourse. The morning-after pill is prescribed by a doctor when fertilization has not yet occurred or the embryo has not implanted in the uterus. It is a form of emergency contraception that prevents unwanted pregnancy. However, for it to be effective, it must be taken on specific days of the menstrual cycle.
How does the morning-after pill work?
Emergency contraception is intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of another contraceptive method. The online morning-after pill works by blocking ovulation, which prevents fertilization.
The morning-after pill and your period
Emergency contraception affects your menstrual cycle. It may disrupt your natural rhythm, causing your period to arrive earlier or later. After taking a morning-after pill such as Escapelle or EllaOne, changes may occur—either lighter or heavier bleeding. There's no need to worry if your period is slightly delayed.
How do you know if the morning-after pill worked?
The morning-after pill is highly effective when taken within 24 hours of intercourse. However, it does not guarantee 100% effectiveness, especially if the unprotected sex occurred during or after ovulation. If the pill was taken on time and you get your period afterward, it means pregnancy did not occur.
How many hours after intercourse is the pill effective?
The pill starts working immediately after taking it. For best results, take it as soon as possible—preferably within 24 hours. Depending on the type, Escapelle is effective up to 72 hours, and EllaOne up to 120 hours after intercourse.
Does the morning-after pill guarantee 100% protection?
Emergency contraception is highly effective, but its effectiveness decreases over time. Escapelle and EllaOne are most effective when taken within 24 hours. If taken during or after ovulation, the pill may not work.
When does emergency contraception fail?
Its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait after unprotected intercourse. The pill may be ineffective if taken during or right after ovulation. Timely use is crucial.
Is the morning-after pill safe?
Side effects are relatively common but usually mild and short-lived. Morning-after pills are safe, and their safety and effectiveness have been clinically tested.
What if you vomit within 4 hours of taking the morning-after pill?
These pills contain hormones that need time to absorb in your digestive system. Vomiting within 4 hours may prevent the medication from working. In this case, you may need a second dose. A follow-up consultation with a doctor is required.
Can you prevent pregnancy using home remedies?
Many people look for a “natural” morning-after solution due to fear of seeing a doctor. Unfortunately, the only effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex is by using emergency contraception taken promptly.
Is the morning-after pill banned?
No, the morning-after pill is not banned in Poland. It used to be available over the counter but now requires a prescription from a doctor.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or failure of another contraceptive method. It’s a last-resort solution and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Emergency contraception works by delaying or blocking ovulation, thus preventing fertilization of the egg. In Poland, the two main types of morning-after pills are Escapelle and EllaOne, which differ in composition and effectiveness window.
How does the morning-after pill work and why is it called that?
To understand how emergency contraception works, it's helpful to know how the menstrual cycle and ovulation function. Fertilization can occur when an active sperm cell encounters a mature egg in the reproductive tract. The surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) just before ovulation causes the follicle to release the egg into the fallopian tube. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for several days, meaning fertilization can occur even if sex happened before ovulation.
If you’ve had unprotected sex and are not planning a pregnancy, Escapelle or EllaOne may be suitable. Be aware that using the morning-after pill may affect your menstrual bleeding and cycle regularity.
How does emergency contraception work?
The active ingredients in morning-after pills work by suppressing or delaying ovulation through blocking the release of luteinizing hormone. This prevents fertilization of the egg. Emergency contraception does not disrupt an already implanted embryo—it prevents fertilization, but is not an abortifacient.
Morning-after pills available in Poland contain either levonorgestrel (e.g., Escapelle) or ulipristal acetate (e.g., EllaOne). Research confirms they do not affect embryo implantation or cause early abortion.
Types of morning-after pills
At Dimedic.eu, doctors may prescribe:
Escapelle – effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse
EllaOne – effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse
The choice depends on your medical history and time since intercourse.
When should you use emergency contraception?
As soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner it's taken, the higher the effectiveness—especially within the first 24 hours. Emergency contraception is not for regular use, but only for exceptional situations.
Levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception (Escapelle)
Escapelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that blocks ovulation by suppressing LH. It’s most effective when taken within 12 to 24 hours, and up to 72 hours after sex. It does not work if ovulation has already occurred or if you are already pregnant.
Levonorgestrel may also thicken cervical mucus and reduce sperm mobility, creating an additional barrier. Importantly, it does not interfere with implantation or act as an abortifacient.
Effectiveness: Up to 99% if taken within 24 hours (before ovulation).
Ulipristal acetate-based emergency contraception (EllaOne)
EllaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which can delay or inhibit ovulation, even close to the LH surge. However, it is not effective if taken after ovulation. It also does not affect implantation or cause abortion.
Effectiveness: Around 98% before ovulation; not effective afterward.
It remains active up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse.
Side effects may include:
Headache
Nausea
Menstrual changes
Abdominal pain
How much does emergency contraception cost?
Prices vary by pharmacy:
EllaOne: ~50–120 PLN
Escapelle: ~30–60 PLN
Check your local pharmacy for current prices.
EllaOne or Escapelle – which is better for you?
There's no single answer. EllaOne is better if more than 72 hours have passed since intercourse. Escapelle is suitable up to 72 hours. The doctor will help determine which option suits your needs and medical background.
Can you buy the morning-after pill without a prescription?
No. Although it was once available OTC in Poland, a prescription is now required for both EllaOne and Escapelle.
Are there side effects?
Yes, they are possible but usually mild and temporary.
EllaOne side effects may include:
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Headache
Breast tenderness
Vaginal discharge
Escapelle may cause similar effects.
Always read the package leaflet.
What do patients say about the morning-after pill?
Both EllaOne and Escapelle receive positive reviews from patients and gynecologists for their effectiveness and tolerability.
Escapelle is slightly more common, so more reviews are available.
Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion pill?
No. Emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy and does not affect implantation. It prevents ovulation only. Claims that it is an abortifacient are not supported by science.
Does it affect fertility?
Emergency contraception may cause temporary side effects like nausea or delayed periods, but does not harm long-term fertility. It’s safe when used occasionally and as directed. Misuse or overuse may affect hormonal balance, so consult a doctor for regular contraception options.