What you need to know about the morning-after pill

Sometimes things can happen the way we don't expect. The birth control method you are using may fail, for example, a condom may break. Or you may have to have sex without any protection. In this case, in this article, we will talk about a method that can help prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

What exactly is the "Morning-After Pill"?

Simply put, this is a birth control pill that is used to prevent pregnancy in an emergency. It is important to remember that this is for emergency use only . This is not a long-term method like the birth control pills you normally take every day. Birth control pills taken every day, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), are much more effective at preventing pregnancy.

Here are some situations where you may need this emergency birth control pill:

• Having sex without any form of birth control.
• Failure of the birth control method used (e.g., a condom broke, forgetting to take a daily birth control pill).
• In the event of sexual intercourse that occurred without your consent (rape).

The most important thing to know about this pill is that it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more likely it is to prevent pregnancy. Even though it's called the "Morning-After Pill," you don't have to wait until the next morning. It's best to take it as soon as possible.

Are there different types of these pills?

Yes, there are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills. Both come as pills that are taken by mouth.

Can regular birth control pills be used in an emergency?

In some cases, daily birth control pills (containing both the hormones progestin and estrogen) are used as emergency contraception by taking a higher dose. But never try this on your own without talking to your doctor. You need to know exactly how many pills to take and when to take them. This method is less effective than the other two methods and has more side effects.

How does this pill work inside the body?

This is a place where many people misunderstand.

This pill mainly works by delaying or stopping your body from releasing an egg from an ovary, or ovulation. If an egg is not released, a sperm cannot fertilize it. Then pregnancy will not occur. Strictly speaking, this is to prevent pregnancy, not to terminate an existing pregnancy.

How successful is this?

As I said before, the success of this depends almost entirely on how quickly you take the pill .

• Levonorgestrel pills: If taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, they are about 94% effective. By 3 days (72 hours), this effectiveness may decrease to about 58%.
• Ulipristal acetate pills: This has a high success rate of up to 98% if taken within the first 24 hours . It has a success rate of about 85% if taken within 5 days (120 hours).

So you see, right, how valuable time is?

What side effects can occur after taking the pill?

Emergency contraceptive pills are generally safe. Taking them will not affect your ability to have children in the future. However, some people may experience minor side effects. These usually go away within a day or two.

• Changes in your menstrual cycle (early or late periods)
• Slight vaginal bleeding (spotting)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness, fatigue
• Headache and dizziness
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Lower abdominal pain or limping

What are the chances that the emergency contraceptive pill might fail?

Even if you take the pill, there is a small chance that you will get pregnant. The main reason for this is that you are late in taking the pill . Apart from that, there may be several other reasons.

• Vomiting: As I said before, if you vomit within two hours of taking the pill.
• Body weight: Some studies have shown that people with a higher body mass index (BMI), meaning those who are overweight, may be less effective at using levonorgestrel pills.
• Other medications: Some other medications you take (e.g., some anti-epileptic drugs) may interact with this pill and reduce its effectiveness. So if you are taking medication for another condition, talk to your doctor about this as well.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Usually, you don't need to see a doctor after taking the pill. However, in this case, you should definitely see your doctor.

• If your period is a week (7 days) late , this could be an early sign of pregnancy.
• If you have severe lower abdominal pain or heavier bleeding than normal , these could be signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Also, remember that this is only for emergencies, and it's a good idea to see your doctor to discuss a long-term birth control method that's right for you.

Emergency contraceptive pill, Morning-After Pill, Pregnancy prevention, Unwanted pregnancy, Levonorgestrel, Ulipristal acetate, Birth control, Gynecology