Do you know the advantages and disadvantages of the birth control pill ? It's one of the most widely used contraceptive methods, especially among young women. It's very effective at preventing pregnancy and has very few side effects. It's also very safe.
However, its use is only recommended when all other methods have failed. But what are its advantages and disadvantages? In this special article, we'll explain everything you need to know about the morning-after pill.
What is the morning after pill
The morning-after pill is a contraceptive method that reduces the risk of pregnancy by delaying or advancing ovulation. It can also alter sperm movement, preventing them from reaching their destination. This greatly reduces the likelihood of fertilization.
The active ingredient in most emergency contraceptive pills is levonorgestrel , a synthetic steroid that has the same effects as progesterone. However, there are also combination pills that contain both progesterone and estrogen.
It's often thought of as an abortion pill, although it can't actually be considered one, since it acts before the egg implants in the uterus . In fact, if implantation has already occurred, the woman will become pregnant even if she takes the morning-after pill. This contraceptive method could cause some changes in the endometrium, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant; for this reason, some people think it could be used as an abortion pill. But at the moment, there is no scientific study that proves this.
When to take it
For it to be truly effective, you must take the morning-after pill within 72 hours of having unprotected sex , ideally immediately afterward. But don't worry, if you take it within the next three days, the pill will still be very effective. However, you should know that its effectiveness will decrease over time.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take, but it will usually be one tablet if it contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel. If the medication comes in two 0.75 mg tablets, take one in the morning and the other 12 hours later.
Can it be used as a regular contraceptive?
Although its health risks are practically nonexistent, as we will see later, it is true that it is a contraceptive for emergency use only. This means that it can only be taken when a condom has broken, or when the necessary precautions to prevent pregnancy have not been taken.
It's important to know that this medication is 95% effective, while condoms are 98% effective. Therefore, we reiterate: only use the morning-after pill when you absolutely have no other option , and preferably under medical supervision.
Talking about the effectiveness of the morning after pill
Now that we've seen what the morning-after pill is and what dose to take, let's focus on its effectiveness . We've said it's not as effective as other contraceptive methods, but... is there anything else we should know? Yes.
As we mentioned, its effectiveness decreases as the days go by. To give you an idea, in the first 24 hours after intercourse it would be 95% effective, at 48 hours 85%, and at 72 hours 58% . Bearing this in mind, it is highly advisable to take it on the first day, since otherwise the chances of getting pregnant are high, especially if ovulation has already begun.
By the way, you have to take it after intercourse, not before, as it won't work. If it makes you feel unwell and you end up vomiting, you'll have to take another one , unless at least 3 hours have passed.
In addition, you must use a condom to ensure that the risk of fertilization is very low, almost nonexistent. If you take the birth control pill, you must start a new pack the day after you finish taking it; and if you want to start taking it, you must wait until the first day of your period. You should follow these same instructions if you use or plan to use the vaginal ring or the contraceptive patch. But in all cases, using a condom is highly recommended.
If your period is 3-4 days late, or if it looks or feels unusual, it's best to take a pregnancy test . That way, you'll know for sure.
Do the medications nullify the effect of the morning-after pill?
There are some that can reduce its effectiveness, and they are the following:
- Ritonavir
- Phenytoin
- Carbamazepine
- Barbiturates
- Griseofulvin
- Rifabutin
- Rifampicin
You should also keep in mind that St. John's wort , also known as hypericum, can reduce effectiveness.
The dangers of the morning-after pill
While this drug does not usually have adverse effects, in fact, it was first marketed in Spain in 2001, and until 2013 only 20 cases of serious adverse reactions had been reported, such as ectopic pregnancy and the risk of developing a thromboembolic disease.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy, also known as an extrauterine pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus , most often (up to 98%) in the fallopian tubes. The viability of these pregnancies is very low, as miscarriage is common during the first trimester. However, if the pregnancy does develop and is not detected early, it can pose a very high risk to the woman's health.
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms:
- Pain in the shoulders and back
- Nausea and dizziness
- Vaginal leaks
- Feeling weak
- Clammy skin
- High blood pressure
If you have any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Thromboembolic disease
The formation of a blood clot within the veins that can travel to the lungs causes thromboembolic disease. Women who use hormonal contraceptives may have a three times higher risk of developing this disease; however, if you take a morning-after pill whose active ingredient is levonorgestrel, the risk is very low—so low, in fact, that only 20 out of every 100,000 women will experience it.
Contraindications
When we talk about medications, we also have to talk about contraindications. The morning-after pill has them, and it's important to keep them in mind to avoid problems . They are as follows:
- Levenorgestrel allergy
- Have migraines
- Being lactose or galactose intolerant
- Having Crohn's disease, colitis or any other that affects the intestines
- History of ectopic pregnancy and / or inflammation of the fallopian tubes
Birth control pill: advantages and disadvantages
As a summary, we tell you the pros and cons of this popular contraceptive:
Advantages
- It can be used after intercourse.
- Possibility of continuing to use regular birth control pills.
- It does not affect long-term fertility.
Disadvantages
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- It should be used within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, its effectiveness decreases over time.
Final Tips
Don't worry if your period seems late or early after taking the medication. These irregularities are completely normal and temporary, and everything will return to normal the following month.
If you do become pregnant, and it's a planned pregnancy, the pill won't affect the embryo . It also won't reduce milk production, so you can resume taking it whenever you want. However, the contraceptive pill doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections , so using a condom is always recommended.
How much does the morning after pill cost?
This pill costs around 20 euros . You can buy it at the pharmacy, although it's a good idea to go to your doctor, as they can prescribe it there, which will significantly reduce the price. It's always wise to ask your doctor for advice.
How do you take the morning after pill?
As its name suggests, the morning-after pill should be taken after unprotected sex or when protection has failed. The sooner it's taken, the better. But there's no need to panic. You have up to 72 hours after intercourse. Statistics are clear: if taken within 24 hours of intercourse, it's over 95% effective. After 48 hours, this drops to 85%. This is crucial to keep in mind, especially in the days leading up to ovulation.
Sometimes, this medication comes in a pack of two pills. You'll take them 12 hours apart. If you're only sold the single dose , it will be much simpler since you'll only take one pill. Remember that it's a single dose, and it's always best to take it as soon as possible for prevention.
Morning-after pill leaflet
When in doubt, it's best to consult the package leaflet for the morning-after pill . Only then will you find out everything you need to feel much more at ease, whether you've already taken the medication or are about to.
What is the emergency contraceptive pill?
Some people call it the morning-after pill or the emergency contraceptive pill . But as its name indicates, it's only used in emergencies, specifically when there's a risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Therefore, it's perfect for preventing an unwanted pregnancy. It shouldn't be confused with the regular birth control pill, which is used regularly, while the emergency pill is only for specific situations. Thanks to components like levonorgestrel, it prevents ovulation without having a significant impact on the female body.
FAQ
Can I have unprotected sex after I have taken postday?
The best thing is not. Again we say again that time must be taken into account so that the post-day pill has the necessary effectiveness. That is why if we have an unprotected relationship, the sooner we will take the pill. If after that and hours later or days, we return to have unprotected relationships, we will not be protected from a pregnancy happening. That is why you can have intercourse but using a condom so that there are no problems.
Is it possible to make a homemade morning-after pill?
As a recommendation, it's best to go to a medical center or your nearest pharmacy. Why? Because they can always advise you much better and tell you how and which one to take. When it comes to medications, especially hormones in this case, it's always best not to take chances. Keep in mind that one emergency contraceptive pill is equivalent to four regular birth control pills . There have been extreme cases where, lacking emergency contraception, people have taken regular pills. Of course, you have to make sure they contain the correct ingredients and dosage. Something we can't always be certain of. So, we'll continue to opt for emergency contraception and have much greater peace of mind.
Can I take the morning after pill if I am taking daily oral contraceptives?
Even if you're taking oral contraceptives, if you've missed a dose, you can take the morning-after pill. If you take the pill every day without missing any, then you won't need the morning-after pill. But as mentioned before, if you've missed a dose, then it's best to take the morning-after pill. Until your period arrives, it's best to use condoms during sex and make an appointment with your gynecologist. In many cases, it's advisable to wait until your next cycle before resuming contraception. Only your doctor can confirm this for you. That way, when your period arrives, you can forget about the possibility of pregnancy and start as usual.
Is it possible to take the morning after pill twice in a month?
Yes, it's possible, but it's not recommended. First, because of the high dose of hormones we'd be subjecting our bodies to, and second, because it can lose its effectiveness. The body will get used to it if we take it frequently. Our bodies are wise and it will take some time to completely eliminate the morning-after pill. So it's not surprising that you might experience some changes in your menstrual cycle. This isn't something to be alarmed about, but it's something to keep in mind.
How does the day-after pill work
The morning-after pill contains, among its ingredients, 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel. This compound acts as a contraceptive barrier. In other words, it inhibits ovulation, preventing fertilization of the egg after unprotected sex. This is why it's so important to take it as soon as possible.
Once we take the pill, our cycle is disrupted. Since there is no ovulation, menstruation can be altered. This is why delays are common, but not in all cases. As we well know, not all bodies act the same. So, the period can come to you on the right day, or before and after. Remember that we are taking a fairly high amount of hormones.
If already, during the normal cycle we experience changes, when we alter it these will be more noticeable. If the period does not appear two weeks after its due date, then you should take a pregnancy test.
We hope this guide has been useful for you to learn more about this popular contraceptive method.