Hello! I’m Dr. Smiti Jain, and today i want to guide you through the morning after pill. It’s important to understand that it’s not a regular birth control method, but a backup plan for those unexpected times when other methods fail. Let’s explore how it works, its effectiveness, and any potential side effects.
What is the Morning After Pill?
Imagine this: You’ve had unprotected sex or something went wrong with your regular birth control. You might be concerned about an unplanned pregnancy. The morning after pill acts as a safety net to help prevent pregnancy after the fact. It functions by either inhibiting or postponing ovulation or by impeding the passage of sperm to the ovum.
How to Use It
To ensure the morning after pill works as effectively as possible, here’s what you need to know:
⦁ Take It Quickly: The pill works better if you take it soon after unprotected sex. Ideally, you should take it within 24 hours. However, you can still use levonorgestrel pills up to 72 hours or ulipristal acetate up to 120 hours after intercourse.
⦁ Follow the Instructions: Each brand has its own set of instructions, so be sure to read and follow them carefully.
⦁ Don’t Overdo It: Just take the recommended dose. Taking more won’t increase effectiveness and could lead to additional side effects.
⦁ Timing Matters: It’s most effective if you haven’t ovulated yet, but even if you’re unsure about your cycle, it’s still worth taking.
Benefits of the Morning After Pill
Here are some reasons why the morning after pill can be a great option:
⦁ Accessibility: You can buy it at most pharmacies without needing a prescription. This means you can obtain it quickly when you need it.
⦁ Effectiveness: Ulipristal acetate works better and for a longer period: it’s about 95% effective when taken within 5 days, while levonorgestrel is about 89% effective when taken within 3 days.
⦁ Non-Invasive: There’s no need for medical procedures or devices.
⦁ Empowerment: It provides you with a backup plan to manage your reproductive health in unexpected situations.
⦁ No Impact on Future Fertility: Using the morning after pill does not affect your ability to conceive in the future.
Possible Side Effects of Morning After Pill
Most people handle the morning after pill well, but you might experience some side effects:
⦁ Nausea: You might feel sick to your stomach after taking the pill. If you throw up right away, you might need to take it again.
⦁ Tiredness: Some people feel more tired than usual. Rest and stay hydrated.
⦁ Headaches: Mild headaches are possible, but they can be managed with ibuprofen or similar medications.
⦁ Dizziness: You might feel dizzy. Don’t drive or do anything dangerous until you feel better.
⦁ Breast Tenderness: You may experience breast soreness, but it typically goes away after a few days.
Types of Morning After Pills
There are two kinds of morning-after pills.
⦁ Levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B One-Step): You can buy it without a prescription, and it works best if used within 3 days.
⦁ Ulipristal Acetate (ella): Requires a prescription and can be used up to 5 days after intercourse.
Cost of Morning After Pill
Here’s a rough idea of the costs:
⦁ Over-the-Counter Options: Levonorgestrel pills typically cost between ₹50 and ₹150.
⦁ Prescription Options: Ulipristal acetate usually starts around ₹200 or more.
⦁ Clinics and NGOs: Some organizations offer these pills at reduced prices or for free depending on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take the morning-after pill?
For maximum effectiveness, it should be taken as soon as possible following unprotected intercourse. It can be taken up to 72 hours (for Plan B One-Step) or 120 hours (for Ella) after intercourse.
Can I take the morning-after pill if I’m breastfeeding?
Yes, the morning-after pill is usually deemed safe for mothers who are breastfeeding. Levonorgestrel is excreted in small amounts in breast milk, but it’s unlikely to affect the baby.
Can I use the morning-after pill if I’m already pregnant?
No, the morning-after pill won’t work if you’re already pregnant and it won’t end an existing pregnancy.
Is the morning-after pill the same as an abortion pill?
No, the morning-after pill is not the same as an abortion pill. The morning-after pill stops pregnancy from occurring in the first place, whereas abortion pills are used to end an existing pregnancy.
Conclusion
The morning-after pill is a useful option for avoiding pregnancy when things don’t go as expected. It’s very important to use this pill correctly. Remember, it’s not for stopping pregnancy all the time. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out. Your health and peace of mind are my highest priorities.
