Postinor 2 in Saudi Arabia: Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction

In Saudi Arabia, many women — whether in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Dammam, or smaller cities — have heard of Postinor 2 (بوستينور ٢), commonly known as the “morning-after pill” or “حبوب منع الحمل الطارئ”.

It is one of the most widely recognized emergency contraceptive options available in the Kingdom also misoprostol, often sought in unexpected or urgent situations.

This comprehensive, Saudi-focused guide answers the most common questions women search for online — in a clear, respectful, and medically accurate way — without judgment or encouragement of any specific behavior.

What Exactly Is Postinor 2?

Postinor 2 is an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel (1.5 mg total dose), a synthetic hormone widely used globally for decades.

Important facts for women in Saudi Arabia:

• It is meant only for emergencies (e.g., contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse)
• It is not a regular birth control method
• It is not an abortion pill — it cannot end an existing pregnancy
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

How Does Postinor 2 Work?

Postinor 2 primarily works in three possible ways, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle:

1. Delays or stops ovulation (release of an egg)
2. May prevent fertilization by affecting sperm movement
3. May make the uterine lining less receptive (though this is less common)

→ It must be taken before implantation occurs. Once a pregnancy is established (usually 5–7 days after fertilization), Postinor 2 has no effect.

When Should Postinor 2 Be Considered?

Saudi women typically consider Postinor 2 in situations such as:

• Condom breakage or slippage
• Missed regular birth control pills (by more than 48 hours in some cases)
• Forgotten contraceptive injection or patch
• Unprotected intercourse (planned or unplanned)
• Sexual assault (in which case immediate medical and psychological support is strongly advised)

Golden Rule: The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.

Correct Way to Take Postinor 2 (2025 Packaging in KSA)

Two versions are available in Saudi pharmacies:

Version	Packaging	How to Take
Postinor 2	2 tablets (0.75 mg each)	1st tablet immediately → 2nd tablet exactly 12 hours later
Postinor 1 (newer)	1 tablet (1.5 mg)	Single tablet as soon as possible

Tip: Set two alarms on your phone — many women forget the second dose.

If you vomit within 2–3 hours of taking a tablet → contact a pharmacist. You may need to repeat the dose.

How Effective Is It? (Realistic Expectations)

Time After Unprotected Intercourse	Approximate Effectiveness
Within 24 hours	Up to 95%
Within 48 hours	Up to 85%
Within 72 hours	Up to 75%
72–120 hours (some brands)	Significantly lower

Note: No emergency contraceptive is 100% effective. A pregnancy test is recommended if your period is more than 7 days late.

Where to Get Postinor 2 in Saudi Arabia (2025)

Widely available without a prescription in most pharmacies.

Major pharmacy chains (always in stock):

• Al Nahdi (النهدي)
• Al Dawaa (الدواء)
• Boots Saudi Arabia
• United Pharmacy (المتحدة)
• White Pharmacy (البيضاء)

Smaller pharmacies:

Most community pharmacies carry it or can order it quickly.

Online & delivery apps:

• Nahdi Online, Al Dawaa App, Binshi, and others
• Often listed as “Ask the Pharmacist” for privacy
• Available for delivery in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, etc. (usually within 1–2 hours)

Privacy note: Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia are trained to handle such requests discreetly. You can simply ask quietly.

Common Side Effects (What Most Saudi Women Experience)

Most side effects are mild and temporary:

Side Effect	How Common	Duration
Nausea	Very common	1–2 days
Fatigue / tiredness	Common	1–3 days
Headache	Common	Few hours to 1 day
Breast tenderness	Common	Few days
Spotting or bleeding	Very common	3–7 days
Delayed/next period	Very common	May come 3–10 days late

These are normal signs the medication is working.

Will It Affect Future Fertility?

No credible scientific evidence shows that occasional use of Postinor 2 harms long-term fertility.

The hormones leave your body within days, and your cycle usually returns to normal within 1–2 months.

Many Saudi women who used it years ago now have healthy pregnancies when they were ready.

Important Myths vs Facts (Common in Saudi WhatsApp Groups)

Myth	Fact
“It causes infertility”	False — no long-term effect on fertility
“It’s an abortion pill”	False — it works before pregnancy begins
“You can use it every month”	Not recommended — disrupts hormones and reduces effectiveness
“It protects for the whole cycle”	False — only covers one incident
“It’s 100% effective”	False — effectiveness decreases with time

Special Situations

Breastfeeding mothers

Levonorgestrel is considered safe during breastfeeding in small amounts. Most international guidelines say it’s acceptable, but consult a doctor if concerned.

Under 16 years old

Some pharmacies may ask for guardian consent or refer to a clinic.

Overweight (BMI > 30)

Effectiveness may be slightly reduced. Some doctors recommend a double dose or Ella (ulipristal acetate) if available.

Storage Tips for Saudi Climate

• Keep below 30°C
• Never leave in a hot car (common mistake in summer)
• Store in a cool, dry drawer
• Check expiry date — usually 3–4 years

Final Thoughts

Postinor 2 remains one of the most accessible and well-known emergency contraceptive options for women across Saudi Arabia in 2025.

While it is safe and effective when used correctly and occasionally, it is not a substitute for regular contraception (pills, IUD, implant, etc.).

If you find yourself needing emergency contraception often, consider speaking confidentially with a trusted gynecologist about longer-term options that suit your lifestyle and values.

You deserve clear, accurate, and judgment-free information — and we hope this guide has helped provide exactly that.

Last updated: November 2025
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.