Julie Medical Advisor
18 ways to prevent pregnancy
If you’re sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant, first of all, welcome. And second of all, knowing your options can help make sure you’re protected. While there’s always a chance of getting pregnant when having penis-to-vagina sex, there are countless types of contraception that can help lower your chances. There are also ways to have sex that can’t get you pregnant, including oral and anal sex. From natural methods to emergency contraception, this article covers 18 ways to have sex while preventing pregnancy.
How to have sex and not get pregnant
First things first, if you’re having sex (and don’t want to get pregnant), adopting a solid birth control plan is always the best place to start. From hormonal methods and barrier protection to sterilization and natural birth control options, let’s help you find the birth control method that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Sex that doesn’t lead to pregnancy
Before we get into birth control types, let’s first talk about types of sex. There are many ways to have sex besides penis-to-vagina penetration, and the good news is that none of them can get you pregnant. As a general rule, any type of sex between two females or two males cannot lead to pregnancy.
Oral sex
Also commonly known as a blowjob, eating out, or going down, oral sex is when a person sexually stimulates the genitals of another person by using their mouth, lips, or tongue. This will not lead to pregnancy, regardless of the genders involved, since the mouth is not connected to the reproductive organs.
Non-penis vaginal insertion
Fingering and inserting a dildo or vibrator into the vagina is a form of penetrative vaginal stimulation that can’t get you pregnant. Make sure fingers and any toys are clean before inserting.
Anal
Anal sex, which refers to penis-in-anus intercourse, is another type of sex that will not lead to pregnancy because the anus is not connected to the reproductive organs. However, it’s important to know that you can get an STI from anal or oral sex. To lower your chances of contracting an STI, it’s always best to use a condom and ask your partner when they were last tested.
Mutual masturbation
Mutual masturbation is when people use their hands or toys to stimulate their partner’s genitals. This can involve fingering, handjobs, stroking, clit stimulation, genital massage, or anal stimulation. This kind of sex does not lead to pregnancy since no semen is entering the vagina.
Sex that leads to pregnancy
The only kind of sex that leads to pregnancy is penetrative penis-to-vagina sex. This kind of sex can lead to pregnancy because semen (liquid containing millions of sperm) can be ejaculated from the penis into the vagina and travel up to the fallopian tubes. In the fallopian tubes, sperm can fertilize an egg, which can result in a pregnancy. As soon as the penis is erect, even before ejaculation, a liquid known as “pre-ejaculate” or “pre-cum” is produced, which can contain active sperm. This sperm can reach the fallopian tubes and fertilize an egg, making it possible to get pregnant before ejaculation.
It’s also possible to get pregnant from semen during non-penetrative sex (where the penis doesn’t enter the vagina). This is because anytime sperm comes into contact with the vagina, even if it’s a small amount, there is a potential for pregnancy. For example, if your partner ejaculates very close to your vagina or if your partner's erect penis comes into contact with your vagina or vulva, a pregnancy could technically develop.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods such as daily birth control pills, implants, rings, patches, and injections are effective, low cost, and easy-to-use pregnancy prevention options. They use hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) so sperm aren’t able to fertilize an egg.
Birth control pill
One of the most commonly used methods of contraception in the U.S. is the birth control pill. If taken as prescribed, birth control pills can be over 99% effective. There are two categories of birth control pills: the “combined pill” contains both estrogen and progestin and stops ovulation, aka the release of an egg from the ovary. The estrogen and progestin also causes the mucus in the cervix to become thicker, which helps keep sperm from joining the egg. This type of pill must be taken daily.
The “mini-pill,” or progestin-only pill, is another type of birth control that only contains the hormone progestin (which also thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus). The mini-pill must be taken at the same time every day. If you take it more than 3 or 12 hours late, depending on the pill type, it might not be effective. This type of birth control can make your periods lighter or stop them all together.
Implant
Hormonal Implants are tiny, thin rods that are inserted by a doctor under the skin and placed in your upper arm. It’s also known as “Nexplanon” or the slightly older version known as “Implanon.” Similarly to hormonal birth control, the implant releases a low and steady dose of the hormone progestin. This also suppresses ovulation and thickens the mucus of your cervix. These implants can last for up to 5 years!
Vaginal Ring
The birth control ring (known as Nuvaring or Annovera) is a small, plastic ring that you place into your own vagina. You can keep a Nuvaring in for up to 5 weeks and an Annovera in for up to a year. When inserted, they start to release the hormones estrogen and progestin, which work together to prevent pregnancy. They are 99% percent effective when used correctly. However, if you forget to refill your prescription or don’t put the ring in on time, then the effectiveness can go down to 95%.
Patch
The birth control patch (also known as Twirla or Xulane) is a hormonal contraceptive that is placed on the skin. The patch releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into your bloodstream to help prevent pregnancy. The patch is convenient because it can be placed on the back, buttocks, stomach, or upper arm. The patch lasts for 1 week. You put on a new patch every week for 3 weeks and then take a 1-week break. When used correctly, the patch is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Injection
The contraceptive shot (known as depo-provera, the depo shot, or DMPA) contains the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. The shot is normally given by a doctor every 12 to 13 weeks and is 96% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you get your first shot within the first 7 days after the start of your period, then you’re immediately protected. Otherwise, you need to wait a week or use a back-up method of protection in the meantime.
Barrier Methods
If you’re interested in non-hormonal or more temporary birth control options, barrier methods like female condoms, male condoms, diaphragms, spermicide, sponges, and cervical caps are good options. If used correctly, barrier methods are usually 93%-97% effective. They work by physically blocking any sperm from reaching the egg. They are not as effective as the birth control pills, implant, injection, or IUDs.
Male condom
Male condoms are the most widely used and accessible form of pregnancy protection. They’re usually made from latex or polyurethane and are 98% effective when used correctly. To properly use a condom, place it over an erect penis and be careful not to tear or break the condom. Condoms work by blocking sperm from entering the vagina. They can also help protect you from STIs. Remember to never reuse a condom or use more than one at the same time, since this can cause them to break or fail.
Female condom
This type of condom is a little soft plastic pouch that you put inside your vagina before sex. It creates a barrier that stops sperm from reaching an egg and helps prevent pregnancy and STIs. They’re available without a prescription and, according to the CDC, are about 79% effective.
Diaphragm and Cervical cap
A diaphragm is a shallow cup that’s made of soft silicone. The cup helps prevent pregnancy by covering your cervix and stopping sperm from joining an egg. It’s important to apply spermicide, a chemical that slows down sperm movement, before each use. When used with spermicide, the CDC estimates that diaphragms have a failure rate of 17%. For a diaphragm to be most effective, insert the cup a few hours before sex and leave it in place for 6 hours after sex. After 24 hours, it must be removed from the vagina.
Cervical caps (also known as Femcaps) are similar to diaphragms. They’re both little cups made from soft silicone and cover your cervix. They have the same function and also work best when adding spermicide before inserting into the vagina. The only difference is that cervical caps are smaller than diaphragms, and the shape is a little different. You can also leave the cervical cap in longer than a diaphragm (up to about 2 days).
Spermicide and Sponge
Spermicide is made from the chemical nonoxynol-9 and is about 70% effective in preventing pregnancy. It blocks the entrance to the cervix and slows sperm down, so it’s harder for it to reach the egg. Spermicide can be used alone or with other birth control methods and comes in many different forms, like gels, film, and foams.
You can also use a sponge which is a barrier method that actually contains spermicide. It’s a small, round sponge made from soft and squishy plastic. It’s 86% effective for women who have never given birth and 73% for those who have. To be most effective, it must be placed deep inside the vagina so it can fully cover the cervix and block the entrance to your uterus so sperm can’t reach the egg. Once you’re done using the sponge, there is a fabric loop that you can use to help remove it (similar to a tampon string).
IUDs
IIntrauterine devices, aka IUDs, are long-term contraception devices inserted into the uterus to help prevent pregnancy. When it comes to IUDs, there are two options: hormonal and non-hormonal. Each one has its own advantages and potential side effects.
Hormonal IUDs
Intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs, are great for long-term protection. They’re T-shaped plastic frames that are inserted into the uterus by a nurse or doctor. IUDs are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancies and come with hormonal and non-hormonal options. With hormonal IUDs, like Mirena and Kyleena, their effectiveness can last up to 5 to 8 years, depending on the brand you choose. They work by releasing the progestin hormone, which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Non-Hormonal IUDs
If you don’t want a hormonal IUD, you can choose the copper-based IUD (known as Paragard). The copper wire in the IUD is coiled around the device, creating an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs (aka ovulation), which prevents pregnancy. This type of IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to 12 years. The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex. Some women experience heavier periods with this IUD, but many prefer it because it is hormone-free. Remember, IUDs do not protect against STIs, so it’s still a good idea to use a condom, especially with a new partner.
Emergency Contraception
If you end up having unprotected sex because your birth control method fails, like if the condom broke, you forgot to take your birth control pill, or didn’t insert your Nuvaring on time, or for any other reason, emergency contraception can still help protect you from pregnancy.
Morning-after pill and the Yuzpe method
The morning-after pill, like Julie, can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. These pills contain levonorgestrel, which help prevent ovulation and block fertilization. Levonorgestrel is 89% effective when taken within 72 hours, but it can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
If you don’t have access to the morning-after pill, you can try the yuzpe method. This is when you take two doses of a combined estrogen and progestin oral contraceptive 12 hours apart. They should both be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex and no later than 5 days after. Depending on when you take the pills, this method can be 56% to 86% effective.
Sterilization
For people wanting to stop their ability to conceive, sterilization is always an option.
Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy
Men and women both have the option to be sterilized, but the procedure is different for each. Women can get a tubal ligation (tubes tied) which means the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked, clipped, or removed. This is meant to prevent fertilization of eggs by sperm and is irreversible. Men can have a vasectomy, which is when the small tubes in their scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off, so sperm can’t leave their body and cause a pregnancy.
Fun fact: a vasectomy is reversible!
Natural methods
Last but not least, there are natural methods to prevent pregnancy that do not involve synthetic hormones, such as cycle tracking, the pull-out method, rhythm method, tracking your cervical mucus, and checking your basal body temperature.
Cycle tracking/Rhythm method
Cycle tracking or the rhythm method is a way of monitoring your period to help you know when you’re ovulating, or most fertile, so you can make sure to avoid sex or use protection during those days.You can use a period tracking app to help or you can track your period yourself with a calendar app on your phone or by hand.
Pull-out method
Also known as “withdrawal,” the pull-out method is when the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation to keep semen from getting inside the vagina. This method has to be done on time and consistently, but because of the risk of pre-cum, it’s not always 100% effective.
Cervical Mucus
The hormones that control your menstrual cycle produce mucus in your cervix. To help prevent pregnancy, you can check your mucus and keep track of the change in color, texture, and amount. You’re most fertile when there’s a large amount of clear, stretchy, wet, and slippery mucus. Ovulation is likely happening during or one day after your last day of this type of mucus. On the days you’re ovulating, you should avoid having sex.
Basal body temperature
Take your basal body temperature every morning after getting out of bed with a thermometer labeled “basal temperature” on the packaging. As time passes, you’ll start to notice a pattern. Once a month, your basal body temperature will increase less than a ½ degree Fahrenheit and remain at this temperature for 2 to 3 days—this is most likely when you’re ovulating. You’ll want to avoid having sex during these ovulation days to prevent pregnancy.
Lactational Amenorrhea method
Lastly, the Lactational Amenorrhea method (also known as LAM) can temporarily help prevent pregnancy when you breastfeed. For this method to be effective, you must have a baby under 6 months old who’s fully breastfeeding, must not be currently menstruating (since giving birth), and breastfeeding every 2-3 hours. The breastfeeding hormones may stop your body from releasing an egg, and you can't get pregnant if you don’t release an egg. LAM is 98% effective against pregnancy for the first 6 months after giving birth.
Important tip: Natural methods are always an option, but they can be less effective than barrier and hormonal methods because there is more room for error. Also, natural methods don’t protect from STIs, so it’s important to use extra protection (aka a condom) whenever possible, especially with new or multiple partners.
Have more questions about preventing pregnancy? Head to our After Sex space on Quora where you can ask our team of doctors any question you have.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any medication.
There are a few medications that may interact with the morning-after pill. The most common medications include:
-Some anti-HIV medications
-Some anti-seizure medications
-Rifampin (an antibiotic mainly used to treat tuberculosis)
-Griseofulvin
-St. John’s wort
If you have concerns about a medicine you are taking potentially interacting with the morning-after pill, please consult with a pharmacist or medical provider.
No, studies have confirmed that taking two pills will not change the effectiveness of the morning-after pill, even for those with higher BMIs.
Essentially nothing. Julie is not an abortion pill and it will not harm or end an existing pregnancy. Julie helps prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation, but if you’re pregnant, then there’s no ovulation to stop. The medication, levonorgestrel, won’t harm you or your fetus if you do end up taking Julie while pregnant. This makes Julie a great option for people who want to be safe after unprotected sex—if you aren’t pregnant yet, it may stop a pregnancy from occurring, and if you are already pregnant, it won’t impact the fetus.
No. The morning-after pill only stops ovulation short-term. When you take it after unprotected sex, it reduces your chance of getting pregnant now. When you start a new cycle next month, you’ll go through a brand new ovulation phase, which is a new opportunity to get pregnant. So if you’re planning on having babies in the future, rest assured your chances of getting pregnant won’t be affected by Julie.
After taking Julie you can continue on with your regular birth control method if you have one (for example, continue taking birth control pills).
You will know Julie has been effective when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time. If your period is delayed beyond 1 week, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.
Julie is a backup or emergency method and should not be used as a regular birth control method. Consult with your doctor about a birth control method that makes sense for you.
Please know that taking a dose of Julie will only protect you from one instance of unprotected sex, it will not prevent pregnancy from unprotected sex over the coming days or weeks. If you have unprotected sex in the future and want to prevent pregnancy, be sure to take a new dose of Julie and talk to your doctor about the best birth control options for you.
Your menstrual bleeding patterns may change temporarily after using levonorgestrel. If you find that your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test to confirm whether the contraceptive has worked.
Technically, no. Julie can be used by anyone with a uterus regardless of weight. However, studies have shown that the effectiveness of the morning-after pill does decrease in people who have a body mass index (BMI) over 25. For those with a BMI under 25, pregnancy risk after taking the morning-after pill is less than 2%. For those with a BMI over 29.9, the risk of pregnancy increases to 5.8% - meaning that out of every 100 individuals with a BMI over 29.9 who take Julie, six may become pregnant.
Why? Unfortunately, we don’t really know. There is only preliminary research testing the efficacy of the morning-after pill on people with a BMI over 25 and 30. Read more here.
Julie is not an abortion pill and will not harm an existing pregnancy nor will it be effective if a woman is already pregnant.
Julie is a progestin‑only emergency contraception product that helps prevent pregnancy before it starts when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Julie is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control. Use as directed.
The medication in the morning-after pill, levonorgestrel, temporarily blocks or delays ovulation, which is when your ovary releases an egg. It essentially puts the emergency brakes on your ovaries so an egg can’t be released. If there’s no egg, then there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize, which means a pregnancy can’t develop.
Read more about how the morning-after pill works here.
The morning-after pill, like Julie, is 89% effective when taken within 72 hours (or 3 days) after unprotected sex. The golden rule is the sooner you take it, the better it will work.
One thing to note: Weight does impact the effectiveness of the morning-after pill. If your BMI is over 25, Julie may not be the best option for you, but there are other options if you have access to a medical provider. Ella® is another type of emergency contraception pill that works more effectively for women with a BMI under 30. Like Julie, it’s a one-time pill but it does require a prescription from your provider. Copper and hormonal IUDs are the most effective form of emergency contraceptive and are not affected by weight at all. However, they do need to be inserted by a healthcare professional up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.
Learn more about how weight impacts Julie here.
You do not need to see a doctor before or after taking Julie because the pill is available without a prescription. However, there are a few reasons you might want to speak with a doctor after unprotected sex. The first reason is that unprotected sex carries the risk of catching sexually-transmitted infections. The second reason is that the morning-after pill is not as effective as regular birth control. A doctor will be able to counsel you on better options if you plan to remain sexually active.
Since emergency contraception can affect the length of your menstrual cycle, your period might come about a week later or earlier than usual after taking Julie. If your period is more than one week late, consider the possibility of pregnancy.
No, the morning-after pill (including Julie) and the abortion pill are two very different medications. The morning-after pill prevents a pregnancy from starting by stopping an egg from being released. If there’s no egg, there’s no chance of pregnancy. Plus, it’s FDA-approved and legal in all 50 states.
On the other hand, the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy, which is something that the morning-after pill cannot do. If you’re already pregnant, the morning-after pill and the medicine within it, levonorgestrel, cannot end the pregnancy or impact it in any way.
See more common morning-after pill myths here.
No. No one needs a prescription to purchase Julie or EC. However, some insurances require a prescription for reimbursement. Some pharmacies and places where EC is sold may tell you that you need a prescription. You do not.
The morning-after pill—like Julie— is one of the most common and convenient forms of emergency contraception. It’s an over-the-counter pill found at retail chains like Target, CVS, and Walmart nationwide. The morning-after pill is made of the hormone levonorgestrel, the same hormone found in many birth control pills and is FDA-approved and legal in all 50 states. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce your chance of getting pregnant. It doesn’t require a prescription, ID, or credit card, and can be purchased easily by anyone (you, your partner, your friend, or the nice guy from GoPuff). Learn more about the morning-after pill here.
The morning-after pill is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control.
You should take Julie if you had unprotected penis-to-vagina sex and:
- You didn’t use any form of birth control
- Your birth control method failed—e.g. the condom broke or slipped off
- You missed 2 or more doses of your regular birth control pill
- You’re not sure if he pulled out in time
Remember to take Julie ASAP to have the best chance of it working. It’s 89% effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but can be effective up to 120 hours after. Learn more about Julie here.
No. No one needs a prescription to purchase Julie or other brands of the morning-after pill. However, some insurance companies require a prescription for reimbursement. Some pharmacies and other places where emergency contraceptives are sold may tell you that you need a prescription. You do not.
Take the Julie tablet orally (swallowed). It is preferable to take it with water, and you can take it with or without food. Do not insert Julie vaginally.
Julie can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner it’s taken after unprotected sex, the better it works. Learn more about the morning-after pill effectiveness here.
No. We know this is a common misconception so let’s break it down. Using Julie (no matter how many times you take it) does not affect your fertility — and it will not prevent you from becoming pregnant in the future. You should feel free to use Julie whenever you think it’s necessary. Julie (and all EC) is not recommended as an ongoing form of birth control because it’s not as effective at preventing pregnancy as birth control methods like the IUD, patch, pill, ring, or shot. Also, frequent use of EC may cause periods to become irregular and unpredictable. That’s it!
You can get Julie at your local CVS, Target, Walmart or on our website.
No, that’s not recommended. Emergency contraceptives, like Julie, work when you take them after sex. That’s because emergency contraception prevents pregnancy by delaying when you ovulate, which is when an egg is released from the ovary. Sperm can live inside you for up to 5 days, so if you take Julie and then have unprotected sex, the medication might not be able to delay ovulation for the entire length of the sperm’s life, creating a potential for pregnancy.
Learn more about how Julie works here.
Yes. You are not alone. Often times, people who buy EC are feeling stressed out, concerned, embarrassed, confused or ashamed. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed about, and the Julie community is here to support you. By taking Julie after unprotected sex, you are taking control of your future and taking a safe, effective, approved method of preventing pregnancy.
Julie and other over-the-counter morning-after pills contain a high amount of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that’s also in some birth control pills. The extra amount of this hormone can affect your menstrual cycle and cause some side effects. Most side effects come and go within hours of taking the pill, but some can last up to a couple of days. Learn more about Julie's side effects here.
No. Levonorgestrel, the hormone in Julie, only pauses ovulation for a very short period of time. Over-the-counter morning-after pills like Julie won’t impact your ability to get pregnant later. Check out more myths about the morning-after pill here.
- Bleeding/spotting between periods
- Temporary changes to a period cycle (the next period comes early or late)
- Heavier or lighter next period
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
For more information about Julie side effects and how long they last, read this.
Side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue can start within a few hours of taking the morning-after pill. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if you should take another dose.
Most side effects are easily manageable, but sometimes they can be annoying. If that headache just won’t go away or your breasts are super tender, it’s safe to take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any over-the-counter pain reliever—they won’t interact or interfere with levonorgestrel.
Listen to your body. After all, you’ve just taken a pill that affects your hormones. Feeling a little weird is normal. Rest, keep yourself hydrated, and give yourself some extra compassion.
No. Julie is not what is commonly called “the abortion pill” or “medication abortion”. The active ingredient in the abortion pill is mifepristone. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing. Julie does not and will not impact an existing pregnancy, and works by delaying ovulation before there is a pregnancy.
The FDA recently made an update in December 2022 to remove any language suggesting that Julie may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. We are currently working on removing this outdated disclaimer but you may still see it present on some of our packaging in the meantime. Please disregard these statements because they are out of date. Julie will not impact an existing pregnancy.
Your cycle might be temporarily affected after taking Julie. That’s because there’s a higher dose of levonorgestrel compared to what’s found in daily birth control pills. It’s likely to impact your body’s natural hormone levels for a short period of time. This might result in an earlier or later period.
If your period is delayed beyond one week, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional if positive. Your period might also be lighter or heavier than usual, or you might experience spotting in between cycles. If your schedule is impacted beyond a month or two, it’s worth checking in with your medical provider. Read more about how Julie might affect your period here.
No! The most common side effects are changes in your period, nausea, lower stomach pain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness. These symptoms typically go away within a few hours and shouldn’t last more than a couple of days. If you have any side effects that bother you, call your healthcare professional. Read more about Julie's side effects here.
Yes. You are not alone. Oftentimes, people who buy EC are feeling stressed out, concerned, embarrassed, confused or ashamed. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed about, and the Julie community is here to support you. By taking Julie after unprotected sex, you are taking control of your future and taking a safe, effective, approved method of preventing pregnancy. If you want to share your experience and talk with others in our community, head to our Tik Tok, Instagram, and Quora space, After Sex, where all sex questions and commentary are welcome.
It depends. Some people get their period a few days earlier or later than they were expecting, while some have reported a delay in menstruation beyond a week. Stress can also delay your period, which can be heightened when taking emergency contraception. If your period is more than one week late, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re pregnant, but it is recommended to take a pregnancy test.
Waiting for your period to arrive can be stressful, especially after taking emergency contraception, but just know that it might be totally normal. A delayed or early period is actually one of the most common side effects of taking the morning-after pill. Levonorgestrel, the hormone in Julie, delays ovulation, which can move the timing of your cycle back a few days. Your period might also be lighter or heavier than usual, or you might experience spotting in between cycles. If your period is delayed beyond one week, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re pregnant, but it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. You can read more about how Julie might affect your period here.
The best thing to do after taking Julie is to rest and hydrate. If you’re feeling any side effects, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to make yourself feel more comfortable. A heating pad or hot water bottle can also help if you’re having stomach pain or cramping. If you can, a day on the couch with Netflix or a good book often does the trick. Read more about managing Julie side effects here.
Typically just for one menstrual cycle. Most people notice that their period starts either a few days early or a few days late, though some people have reported a two-week delay in menstruation. If you are not pregnant, your cycle should return to normal the next time you get your period. If changes last beyond a month or two, it’s best to check in with a doctor.
Read more about changes to your period after taking Julie here.
