Morning After Pill: When and How to Take?

Has your contraceptive method ever failed during sexual relations? The morning after pill is a backup contraceptive to prevent pregnancy in these situations, and should not be used as primary contraception. But do you know what it is for or how it really works?

Don't worry, from our gynecological center in Oviedo we will clarify all your doubts and explain everything you need to know about this emergency contraceptive pill, how to take it or what side effects its intake may bring. Remember that this pill can be purchased without a prescription but its use should be limited and restricted to specific emergency situations.

What is the morning after pill and when should it be taken?

The morning after pill, also known as the emergency contraceptive pill , is a hormonal solution composed of levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, which is responsible for delaying ovulation and hindering the implantation of the egg in the uterine wall, to prevent pregnancy . It is, therefore, an urgent contraceptive method and complementary support, which should be taken exceptionally when the usual contraceptive treatments have failed, if you have had unprotected sexual relations or if you have been a victim of sexual abuse to prevent unwanted pregnancies occur.

If you find yourself in any of these emergency situations, you can use emergency contraceptive pills at any time during the menstrual cycle . It is also important to keep in mind that, to obtain the desired effectiveness, it is necessary to take the pill as soon as possible. In other words, after having unprotected sexual relations, there is a maximum period of up to five days to take the morning after pill and delay ovulation.

The morning after pill is not designed to protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so it is necessary to continue using a condom to be properly protected. It also does not interrupt the gestation process once the baby is fertilized. Its function is only to delay or prevent ovulation to prevent pregnancy in emergency situations.

What side effects does the morning after pill have?

Although it has been shown that the use of the morning after pill is not a danger to health, there are exceptional situations in which it is recommended to avoid taking it. This is the case of people who are allergic to certain hormonal compounds, are overweight or are under the effects of narcotics or other sedative pharmacological treatments, since they can reduce the effectiveness of the pill. In addition, the morning-after pill contains ulipristal, so it is also unsuitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as its consequences are unknown.

Another point to take into account is the set of side effects that up to 50% of women suffer from after taking it. Although these last only a few days, and most of them are minor problems, it is important to point them out.

The morning pill can cause side effects such as:

Vertigo or dizziness.

Headache.

Fatigue.

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Heavier periods or bleeding between menstrual periods.

Pain in the lower abdomen.

Excessive sensitivity in the breasts.

How effective is the morning after pill?

Emergency contraceptives, although highly effective and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 85%, are not infallible . Therefore, if it is taken within the first 12 hours, the result will be more successful.

On the other hand, we recommend using this type of pill when strictly necessary, since taking it repeatedly and excessively can inhibit its effectiveness, and even cause major problems in the long run, such as, for example, ectopic pregnancies.

Do I need a prescription to take the emergency pill?

Since 2009, the emergency contraceptive pill can be purchased in pharmacies throughout Spain without a prescription and at a price of approximately 20 or 30 euros. It is also not necessary to have a minimum age to buy it, although it is always advisable to consult with your gynecologist first if you have any questions.