MORNING AFTER PILL: HOW IT WORKS AND WHEN TO TAKE IT

Morning After Pill: How It Works and When to Take It

Morning After Pill: How It Works and When to Take It

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The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (such as a broken condom or missed birth control pill). It is not an abortion pill but works by delaying ovulation or preventing fertilization.

This guide explains how the morning after pill works, when to take it, effectiveness, side effects, and other key considerations.

What Is the Morning After Pill?

The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive that helps prevent pregnancy if taken within a few days after unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible.

Types of Morning After Pills

  1. Levonorgestrel-based pill (Plan B One-Step, Take Action, Postinor-2)

    • Contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation.

    • Most effective within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.

    • Available over the counter in many countries.

  2. Ulipristal acetate pill (Ella, ellaOne)

    • Contains ulipristal acetate, which blocks the hormone needed for ovulation.

    • Effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

    • Requires a prescription in some countries.

???? Important: The morning after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How Does the Morning After Pill Work?

The morning after pill prevents pregnancy before it starts by:

✅ Delaying or stopping ovulation (so no egg is released for sperm to fertilize).
✅ Thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
✅ Altering the uterine lining (in some cases), preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.

???? Note: If you are already pregnant, the morning after pill will not work and will not harm an existing pregnancy.

When to Take the Morning After Pill

For the best results, take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Type of Pill Best Within Maximum Timeframe
Plan B / Levonorgestrel Within 24 hours Up to 72 hours (3 days)
Ella / Ulipristal Acetate Within 24 hours Up to 120 hours (5 days)

???? Tip: The sooner you take the pill, the more effective it is.

How Effective Is the Morning After Pill?

  • Levonorgestrel-based pill (Plan B, Postinor-2):
    ???? 95% effective if taken within 24 hours
    ???? 85% effective if taken within 48 hours
    ???? 58% effective if taken on the 3rd day

  • Ulipristal acetate pill (Ella, ellaOne):
    ???? Maintains over 85% effectiveness for the full 5 days after sex.

???? Note: The morning after pill is less effective in women over 75 kg (165 lbs). Ella is a better option for women over this weight, but a copper IUD is the most effective choice.

Possible Side Effects of the Morning After Pill

The morning after pill is safe for most women, but temporary side effects may occur:

✅ Nausea or vomiting (if vomiting occurs within 2 hours, another pill may be needed)
✅ Irregular periods (early, late, or heavier than usual)
✅ Fatigue or dizziness
✅ Breast tenderness
✅ Headache or abdominal cramps

???? When to See a Doctor: If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.

Can You Take the Morning After Pill More Than Once?

Yes, but it should not be used as a regular form of birth control because:

???? It is less effective than regular contraception.
???? It can cause irregular menstrual cycles if taken frequently.
???? It does not protect against STIs.

???? Best Alternative: If you need regular contraception, consider birth control pills, an IUD, or an implant.

Who Should Not Take the Morning After Pill?

The morning after pill may not be suitable if you:

???? Are already pregnant (it won’t work)
???? Have a history of blood clots or certain medical conditions
???? Are on medications that reduce effectiveness (e.g., epilepsy or tuberculosis drugs)

???? Alternative Option: A copper IUD can be inserted within 5 days for 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

Morning After Pill vs. Abortion Pill: Key Differences

Feature Morning After Pill Abortion Pill
Purpose Prevents pregnancy before it starts Ends an existing pregnancy
Timeframe Within 3-5 days of unprotected sex Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy
Effectiveness 85-95% effective if taken early 98% effective
Availability Over-the-counter or prescription Requires doctor’s visit
Example Brands Plan B, Ella Mifepristone + Misoprostol

???? Important: The morning after pill does not cause an abortion. It only prevents pregnancy from occurring.

Final Thoughts

The morning after pill is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. To maximize its effectiveness:

✔️ Take it as soon as possible (within 3 days for Plan B, 5 days for Ella).
✔️ Be aware of side effects and period changes.
✔️ Consider a more reliable birth control method if needed.
✔️ If you vomit within 2 hours, take another pill.
✔️ If your period is over a week late, take a pregnancy test.

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