The Morning After Pill, commonly referred to as “Emergency Contraception” or “Plan B”, provides a post-intercourse solution to prevent pregnancy. It becomes particularly important following instances of unprotected sex, a lapse in usual contraceptive methods, or contraceptive failure such as a torn condom..
The primary function of the Morning After Pill is to halt or postpone ovulation, ensuring the egg isn’t fertilized or implanted. Two prominent types are ellaOne and Levonelle.
• ellaOne: Contains ulipristal acetate which prevents ovulation. Effective up to 5 days post-intercourse.
• Levonelle: Contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone that stops ovulation. Must be consumed within 3 days of the act.
• Levonelle: Its efficiency is 95% if consumed within 24 hours, but this drops to 85% and then 58% on the subsequent two days.
• ellaOne: Maintains an efficacy rate of 98% even if consumed up to 5 days after the act. However, it’s most effective when taken as soon as possible post-intercourse.
Both pills are at their peak efficiency when consumed before ovulation. The exact stage of your menstrual cycle can influence their effectiveness.
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or within 3 hours of taking ellaOne, the pill might not have been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. In such cases, it’s recommended to take another dose or seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Consume the Morning After Pill promptly after unprotected intercourse to increase its efficacy. While there’s no prescribed limit to the pill’s usage, taking Levonelle and ellaOne in quick succession (within 5-7 days of each other) isn’t recommended due to potential medication interactions.
The Morning After Pill can be procured online or over-the-counter at most pharmacies following a brief consultation. It’s available for individuals aged 16 and above.
Though devoid of long-term or serious side effects, some temporary symptoms can manifest post-consumption, largely contingent on the stage of the menstrual cycle during which the pill was taken. Some common side effects include:
• ellaOne: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, tender breasts, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle and back pain.
• Levonelle: Headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, fatigue, and potential period irregularities.
The intrauterine device (IUD), with a 99.9% effectiveness rate, offers an alternative. Comprising copper and plastic, this T-shaped apparatus is inserted into the womb and can serve as a long-term contraceptive. It impedes fertilization and implantation of the egg. However, while an IUD shields against unwanted pregnancies, it doesn’t offer protection from STIs.
Yes, a small percentage of women might. Consuming the pill immediately post-intercourse amplifies its efficiency.
The Morning After Pill can’t terminate a pregnancy nor does it augment the risk of birth defects.
If you’ve opted for ellaOne, refrain from taking your regular contraceptive for 5 days. With Levonelle, resume your regular pill schedule within 12 hours.
Post-ellaOne consumption, breastfeeding is discouraged for a week. Levonelle is safe during breastfeeding, though a minor hormone amount might transfer via breast milk.