Morning After Pill

What is the morning after pill?

Many people have heard that the morning-after pill is just a strong dose of birth control pill -and they are essentially correct. The morning-after pill is a high-dose combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, and should only be used in an emergency situation for a woman who has had unprotected intercourse or in the case where the chosen contraception has failed. These high dosages may disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause extremely uncomfortable side effects (described below). Do NOT take any abnormal doses of birth control medication without consulting a physician or health care professional! You can harm your body if you do not follow a professional's advice.

How effective is the morning-after pill?

The overall effectiveness of the morning-after pill is 75%. Women who become pregnant despite taking the pill have a higher risk of harming the fetus, and many doctors recommend a therapeutic abortion. Ask your doctor or birth control center for details about this potential concern.

How is the morning-after pill taken?

The morning-after pill must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse; for maximum effectiveness, however, it should be taken within the first 12-24 hours. Normally you are given two pills which are to be taken immediately and two to be taken 12 hours later. If you experience vomiting within 2 hours of taking the pills, then two more pills should be taken. It may be a good idea to take an anti-nausea drug before taking the pills. Please consult with your physician or local birth control center.

If you do not have your period in the next three weeks then be sure to have a pregnancy test done.

How does the morning-after pill work?

The pill slows the speed at which the egg travels through the fallopian tube, and changes the uterine lining so that the egg cannot attach itself to the uteral wall. The uteral lining sloughs off, either taking the egg with it or making the uterus inhospitable to the egg.

What are the effects of the morning-after pill?

It should be forewarned that the morning-after pill is an extremely unpleasant experience. Many women who take the pill experience severe stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Women who have taken the pill have described it as similar to having a really bad stomach flu which can last from 4-48 hours. If the combination of hormones does not prevent pregnancy, they may harm the fetus, and you should consider the possibility of having to have an abortion should the method fail. See your doctor or birth control counselor for help making the decision.

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