The morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception, serves as a vital resource for women who find themselves in situations where regular contraception methods fail or are unavailable. It's crucial to understand how it works, when to use it, and what to expect before taking this form of emergency birth control.
What You Need To Know Before Taking the Morning After Pill?
Talking along the lines, we spoke to our expert Dr Shrey Srivastav, General Physician - Sharda Hospital to shed some light on what an individual needs to know before taking the morning-after pill. Here are five crucial points he shared with us.
1. Understanding Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is not intended to be a primary method of birth control but rather a backup option for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. There are two main types of emergency contraception available: levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) and ulipristal acetate (ella). Levonorgestrel is available over-the-counter, while ulipristal acetate requires a prescription.
2. Following Instructions
It's essential to follow the instructions provided with the morning-after pill closely. For Plan B One-Step, a single pill should be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours after unprotected sex. If using ella, one pill should be taken as soon as possible and within 120 hours after unprotected sex.
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3. Managing Potential Side Effects
Some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting after taking the morning-after pill. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before considering another dose. Additionally, other potential side effects may include fatigue, dizziness, breast tenderness, and abdominal pain.
4. Temporary Protection
It's important to note that emergency contraception provides temporary protection against pregnancy and does not offer lasting contraception. If further unprotected sex occurs in the days or weeks following taking the morning-after pill, there remains a risk of pregnancy. Therefore, it's advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse until starting another form of birth control.
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5. Resuming Birth Control
After using emergency contraception, it's essential to either begin using or resume the regular method of birth control as soon as possible. This helps to ensure ongoing protection against unintended pregnancy.
A Final Word
"The morning-after pill serves as a valuable resource for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Understanding how to use it correctly and what to expect beforehand is crucial for maximising its effectiveness. By following the provided instructions, managing potential side effects, and resuming regular contraception, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their reproductive health. However, it's important to remember that emergency contraception should not be relied upon as a primary method of birth control, and individuals should explore long-term contraceptive options with their healthcare provider for ongoing protection," concluded Dr Srivastav.