Ulipristal Acetate: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives Exist

When you need emergency contraception after unprotected sex, ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Also known as Ella, it works by delaying or stopping ovulation, giving your body a critical window to avoid fertilization. Unlike older options like Plan B, which rely on high doses of levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate targets the progesterone system more precisely, making it effective up to five days after sex—longer than most alternatives.

It’s not just for emergency use. ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Also known as Ella, it works by delaying or stopping ovulation, giving your body a critical window to avoid fertilization. is also prescribed for treating uterine fibroids, especially when surgery isn’t the first choice. It shrinks fibroids by blocking progesterone’s effect on the uterine lining, reducing heavy bleeding and pain. But it’s not a long-term fix—doctors usually limit treatment to three months at a time because of potential liver risks and hormonal side effects. That’s why many people look at alternatives like levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone used in most over-the-counter emergency contraceptives. Also known as Plan B, it’s cheaper, easier to get without a prescription, but less effective after 72 hours. or even copper IUDs, which offer both immediate and long-term protection.

People often wonder if ulipristal acetate is right for them. It’s not for everyone—women with liver disease, those already pregnant, or those on certain steroid medications should avoid it. Side effects like headaches, nausea, and irregular bleeding are common but usually mild. Still, if you’ve had bad reactions to hormonal treatments before, you might want to explore non-hormonal options like the copper IUD or even just monitoring your cycle with ovulation tests. The posts below dive into how ulipristal acetate stacks up against other drugs, what real users report, and how to make sense of the choices when your health is on the line.