After unprotected sex, or when the condom you used broke, have you ever wondered, "Oh my God, am I going to get pregnant?"? The "Morning-After Pill" is one of the things that comes to mind when many people have this fear in an emergency. So today, let's talk about what this emergency contraceptive pill actually is, how to use it, and what you need to know about it.
What is this emergency contraceptive pill (Morning-After Pill)?
Simply put, this is a form of birth control that is used to prevent pregnancy in an emergency. It is not something you take every day like your regular birth control pills. It is used only in an emergency. That is, in times like these:
- When you have sex without using any birth control.
- When the birth control method you used failed (for example, the condom broke, forgetting to take a birth control pill).
- When subjected to involuntary sexual assault (rape).
The important thing is that this is not a long-term method of birth control. There are more effective and safer methods, such as daily birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and hormonal implants. You can talk to your doctor about which method is best for you.
How many types of these pills are there?
Yes, there are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills. And there is also a third method. Let's look at that.
| Pill type | Description and time required |
|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel pills | These are the most common types. You need to take this pill within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. However, the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. |
| Ulipristal acetate tablets | This type of pill can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. However, a doctor's prescription is required to take this. |
Regular birth control pill use (Yuzpe regimen)
This is a third method. What you do here is take a higher dose of your usual birth control pill (containing both Progestin and Estrogen hormones) in two doses, 12 hours apart. But never do this without the advice of a doctor. Because you need to know exactly the right dose and type of pill to take. Also, this method is less effective than the other two methods and has more side effects.
How does this pill prevent pregnancy?
This is a problem that many people have. It's very simple. The hormones in these pills delay or stop your body from releasing an egg (ovulation). If an egg is not released from an ovary, a sperm cannot fertilize it. Then pregnancy will not occur.
There's something you need to understand here. This pill cannot terminate a pregnancy that has already occurred. That means it's not an abortion pill. It only prevents pregnancy from occurring.
How successful is this? And what are the reasons for its failure?
As I said before, the success of this depends almost entirely on the timing of your taking the pill. "The sooner you take it, the better the results" is the key here.
- Levonorgestrel pills: About 94% effective if taken within the first 24 hours. If taken within 72 hours, the success rate may drop to about 58%.
- Ulipristal acetate tablets: About 98% effective if taken within the first 24 hours. About 85% effective if taken within 120 hours (5 days).
However, sometimes this pill can fail. There are several reasons for this.
- Time: The later you take the pill, the higher the chance of failure.
- Vomiting: If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it may not have been absorbed into your body. If this happens, talk to your doctor.
- Body weight: Some studies have shown that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) may be less effective at using Levonorgestrel pills.
- Other medications: These pills may interact with some other medications you are taking (e.g., anti-seizure medications, St. John's wort, etc.) and reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects of this pill?
These pills are generally safe and will not affect your ability to have children in the future (fertility). However, some minor side effects may occur.
- Changes in your menstrual cycle (periods may come early or late).
- Slight spotting.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Breast pain.
- Stomach ache.
These symptoms usually go away in a few days, but if they are severe or if you are feeling worried, it is best to see a doctor.
Do you want to see a doctor?
Usually, you don't need to see a doctor after taking this pill. However, in cases like this, you should definitely seek medical advice.
- If your period is more than a week late, this could be an early sign of pregnancy.
- If you have severe stomach cramps or heavy bleeding , these could be signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Talk about a long-term birth control method that works for you. It's wise to plan ahead, not wait for emergencies.
Take-Home Message
- The Morning-After Pill is an emergency use only , not a daily birth control method.
- Taking this pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex increases its effectiveness.
- This is not an abortion pill. It only prevents pregnancy.
- Although minor side effects may occur, they are usually not serious. However, if in doubt, talk to a doctor.
- If your period is more than a week late after taking the pill, take a pregnancy test and see a doctor.
- Instead of relying on emergency contraception, talk to your doctor about a long-term birth control method that's right for you.
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