Postinor-2 vs. ella: A Singapore Emergency Contraception Guide to Making the Right Choice

By Lydia

Your Safety Net If You Had Unprotected Sex

Accidents do happen—condoms are torn, or pills are missed. Emergency contraception Singapore gives you a second chance, and Postinor-2 and ella are the main options. This guide helps you make the right choice.

The Critical Time Factor: When to Take Each Pill

Timing is critical when it comes to the efficacy of emergency contraception:

First 24 hours (1 day):

• They are both very effective (approximately 95% effective)

• Either one will do

• The sooner you take either pill, the better it is

24-72 hours (1-3 days):

• Postinor-2 gets less effective every day

• ella is still just as effective

• ella is the more reliable one

72-120 hours (3-5 days):

• Postinor-2 is out of the question

• ella still works well

• ella is your only pill choice during this time period

Remember: The most effective emergency contraception at any point up to 5 days is the copper IUD (not discussed in detail here).

Postinor-2: Over-the-Counter Option

Postinor-2 contains 1.5mg of the artificial hormone levonorgestrel, used in contraceptives for years. As the most readily available option for Emergency contraception Singapore, Postinor-2 possesses several advantages:

Main Features of Postinor-2

• Available over the counter from pharmacies all over Singapore

• One tablet to take, with administration very convenient

• Most effective when used within 24 hours (95% effective)

• May be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) following unprotected sex

• Less costly compared to prescription methods

• Does not carry a significant interaction with standard hormonal contraceptives

Limitations to Consider

• Effectiveness decreases significantly with each passing day

• Less effective with women over 70kg

• Can be less effective if ovulation is near

• Temporary side effects like nausea, headache, and irregular menstrual periods can be experienced

ella: The Prescription Option

ella contains 30mg of ulipristal acetate, which is a recently developed emergency contraceptive that differs from levonorgestrel. This prescription medication has some distinct advantages:

Key Benefits of ella

• Consistently effective within its 120-hour (5-day) window

• Effective even when taken close to ovulation

• More effective than Postinor-2, especially after 24 hours

• Single tablet dose, similar to Postinor-2

• May be more effective in women who have more body weight

• Could be used up to 5 days after having sex without a condom

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Requires prescription by doctors in Singapore

• Usually more expensive than Postinor-2

• Can conflict with hormonal contraceptive use, and additional caution will be necessary

• Same side effects as Postinor-2, including nausea and changes to menstruation

• Less available in that it must be prescribed

Side Effects: What to Expect After Taking Either Pill

Both of these emergency contraceptive pills have temporary side effects, though most women have minimal discomfort. Side effects include:

Common Short-Term Effects

• Nausea (less common than with previous Emergency contraception Singapore products)

• Headaches or slight dizziness

• Fatigue or general tiredness

• Lower abdominal pain or cramps

• Breast tenderness

Menstrual Changes

• Your next period might come earlier or later than expected

• You may spot it before your next period

• Your flow might be lighter or heavier than usual

• These side effects will normally clear up by your next cycle

When to see a Doctor

• Severe stomach pain

• Heavily heavy bleeding

• Vomiting within 2 hours of taking the pill

• Period over a week late

Most side effects are not necessary to treat and are not signs of anything serious. They simply reflect your body's response to the hormonal changes caused by the Emergency contraception Singapore

Direct Comparison: Postinor-2 and ella

Accessibility Factors

Postinor-2:

• Can be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies

• No appointment needed

• Lower price (typically $20-40 SGD)

• Immediate access
  

ella:

• Requires doctor's prescription

• May have an appointment or telemedicine visit

• Higher price (typically $50-70 SGD)

• May be reimbursed by some insurance plans

• Less immediate access

Hormone Interactions

Postinor-2:

• Generally safe with existing hormonal contraception

• Contraception may be continued or started immediately

• May be used during breastfeeding

ella:

• May reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraception for the remainder of the cycle

• Requires backup barrier protection for 7-14 days

• Not advisable during breastfeeding unless temporary interruption

Making Your Decision: Which Is Right for You?

Choose Postinor-2 When:

• You need it within 3 days of having had unprotected sex

• You need something straight away without visiting a doctor

• You're on the pill or other forms of hormonal birth control

• It's a cost issue

• You're breastfeeding

• You weigh less than 70kg

Choose ella When:

• You're between 3-5 days of having had unprotected sex

• You're close to ovulation

• You weigh more than 70kg

• You can see a doctor

• You're happy using backup contraception on a temporary basis

• You're not breastfeeding

After Having Emergency Contraception Singapore

Regardless of how you do it, follow-up problems are identical:

• Your subsequent period may appear earlier or later than normal

• If your period is more than a week overdue, have a pregnancy test

• Discuss with a health provider to continue contraception measures

• Keep on using barrier measures until your subsequent period arrives

• Remember that emergency contraception protects against only previous unprotected sex

Emergency contraception Singapore is offering reliable choices. Postinor-2 provides availability, while ella provides longer protection. Understanding the difference allows you to choose what is best for you.