Levonorgestrel Tablet: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you need fast, reliable protection after unprotected sex or birth control failure, levonorgestrel tablet, a synthetic hormone used in emergency contraception and daily birth control. Also known as the morning-after pill, it works by delaying ovulation to prevent pregnancy before it starts. Unlike combination pills, levonorgestrel contains only one hormone—progestin—making it safe for most people, including those who can’t take estrogen.

It’s not just for emergencies. Many use levonorgestrel as a daily progestin-only pill, a mini-pill option for women who need birth control without estrogen, especially if they’re breastfeeding or have health issues that rule out estrogen-based options. The timing matters: for emergency use, it’s most effective within 72 hours, but works up to 120 hours after. For daily use, you must take it at the same time every day—miss a dose by more than 3 hours, and you lose protection.

People often confuse it with the IUD or mifepristone, but levonorgestrel doesn’t end a pregnancy. It prevents one from starting. It’s also different from combined pills, which include estrogen and can cause more side effects like nausea or blood clots. Levonorgestrel tends to be gentler, though some users report spotting, breast tenderness, or changes in their cycle.

It’s not magic. If you’ve already ovulated, it won’t work. That’s why some doctors recommend it only if you’re not sure when ovulation happened. And while it’s available over the counter in many places, knowing how to use it correctly makes all the difference. A 2023 study in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women who understood the timing and limitations of levonorgestrel were 40% more likely to use it effectively when needed.

It’s also part of a bigger picture. If you’re using it often, it’s worth looking into long-term options like IUDs or implants. If you’re using it daily, you might want to compare it to other progestin-only pills like norethindrone. And if side effects are bothering you, lifestyle changes—like managing stress or adjusting your sleep—can help your body adapt better, just like they do with other medications.

Below, you’ll find real user experiences, comparisons with other options, and practical advice on how to get the most out of levonorgestrel—whether you’re using it once or every day. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know before you take it.