Emergency Contraception

Sexual & Reproductive Health

What is emergency contraception pill?
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if the contraception you have used has failed – for example, if a condom has split or you have missed a pill. Emergency contraceptive pills are effective round 85% of the time in preventing pregnancy.

The morning after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have symptoms of an STI, contact the GU Clinic or click here for more information on STIs.

There is no limit on how many times you can take the morning after pill. However, you should consider a regular contraceptive such as the contraceptive pill if you wish to prevent pregnancy. Click here for more information about regular contraceptives.

How many emergency contraceptives are available and how do I use them?
There are two types of emergency contraception, the ulipristal acetate (UPA) and the levonorgestrel.
In Malta, the following are available:

  • Treatment 1 - which is taken as a single tablet. It can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse. It contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone working normally. This works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg (ovulation).
  • Treatment 2 - (levonorgestrel) which is taken as a single tablet. It is licensed to be given up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. This tablet delays the release of an egg (ovulation). It is a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries.
  • Treatment 3 - is another morning after pill that contains the ingredient levonorgestrel and can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after sex. It prevents or delays the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation).

The sooner you take the emergency contraception, the more effective it will be. The doctor or the pharmacist will guide you in choosing the most suitable pill for you.

N.B. Emergency contraception pill by Transmen on Testosterone:

  1. If the ovaries and uterus are intact, then yes there is still the possibility of a pregnancy if they had sexual intercourse without protection with a sperm-inducing male. Therefore, the use of contraception to prevent pregnancy is highly advised.
  2. However, in case of sexual intercourse without protection (or with failed protection), first line of Emergency Contraception would be ulipristal acetate.
  3. Ulipristal acetate needs to be taken at the earliest possible but definitely within 120 hours (that is 5 days) of intercourse.
  4. The effect is not affected by testosterone.

In regard to choice of contraception to transmen should not be hormonal, otherwise it will negate the effects of the trans-hormones.

Are there any side-effects?

  • Headaches
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Sore/tender breast (rarely)
  • Changes to your next period (can be earlier, later, or more painful). If your period is more than seven days late or lighter than usual, take a pregnancy test as soon as you can.
  • Vomiting (get medical attention as you may need to take another dose)


What stops the emergency contraceptive pill from working?
Emergency contraception may not work if:

  • You are taking certain medications (check with your doctor or pharmacist)
  • You exceeded the recommended number of days following intercourse before taking it
  • You are persistently vomiting for 2-3 hours


Where can I get the emergency contraceptive pill?
You can buy the emergency contraceptive pill at a pharmacy. The website pharmacy.com.mt has a list of pharmacies in Malta that stock the morning after pill.