What is the morning after pill and how does it work?
The "morning-after pill" refers to a type of emergency contraception. It is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or when another contraceptive method has failed (e.g., a condom breaks). It's important to note that it is not an abortion pill and won't be effective if a woman is already pregnant.
There are two main types of morning-after pills available:
Levonorgestrel-based pills (e.g., Plan B One-Step and others):
These pills contain the hormone levonorgestrel.
They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but can be taken up to 72 hours afterwards. Their effectiveness diminishes over time.
They work primarily by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). If ovulation has already occurred, these pills may prevent the fertilization of the egg by altering the movement of sperm or the egg. If fertilization does occur, they may prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Ulipristal acetate (e.g., Ella):
This pill contains ulipristal, a drug that affects the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for ovulation.
It can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse and is equally effective during this period.
It works by preventing or delaying ovulation. Unlike levonorgestrel-based pills, ulipristal remains effective even when taken close to the time of ovulation.
Some things to consider:
Neither type of morning-after pill is intended to be used as regular contraception. They are less effective than most regular contraceptive methods and are meant to be used only in emergencies.
These pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The morning-after pill can have side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in the menstrual cycle.
Some medications and herbal remedies may reduce the effectiveness of the morning-after pill.
If a woman thinks she might be pregnant, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking the morning-after pill.
The morning-after pill should not be confused with the abortion pill (mifepristone, sometimes known as RU-486), which is used to terminate an established pregnancy.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on the use of emergency contraception and its potential interactions or side effects.