Use emergency contraceptives as soon as possible if you aren't planning on a baby any time soon and you have encountered any of the listed situations:

- You didn't use any birth control

- The condom came off or broke

- You missed at least two or three active birth control pills in a row and had sexual intercourse recently

- You forgot to insert your ring or apply your patch.

- Your partner didn't pull out in time.

- You have another reason to think your birth control might not have worked.

- You were forced to have unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception works mainly to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg). In case the woman has already ovulated or is ovulating, it also prevents the fertilization of the released egg (joining of egg and sperm) or implantation.

Some women have none while some may have slight discomfort and others may feel very unwell. Some possible side effects are: nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain or cramps, spotting, and change in discharge.

WARNING: if you throw up two hours after consuming the pill, you may have to ask for another dose. 

ALLERGIES: although it is very rare, if you start to develop allergic reactions after consuming the pill, you should go to the nearest clinic or hospital depending on the severity.