One type of emergency contraception is the morning-after pill (contraception). The morning after pill is used to prevent pregnancy by women whose method of contraception has failed or who have participated in an unprotected sexual role. The morning after pill is only supposed to be a backup; It shouldn’t be the primary method of contraception. The morning after pills contain Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) and ulipristal acetate (Ella). Morning after pill cannot end a pregnancy that has already begun. They primarily work by delaying or preventing ovulation. Do not confuse the morning after pill with the abortion-inducing medication. The medication that induces abortion ends a confirmed pregnancy.
How It Functions
Because pregnancy doesn’t happen straight away after having sex, it is possible to prevent pregnancy a few days later. Timing is crucial. As it waits for an egg to ovulate, sperm can stay in your uterus for up to six days after sex.
When women ovulate, the sperm may reach their egg, resulting in conception. The morning after pills work by momentarily stopping your ovary’s release of an egg. It is comparable to emergency ovulation suppression.
The morning after pill’s ability to prevent pregnancy can vary based on your menstrual periods and how soon after unprotected sexual activity you take it. After your body has already started ovulating, taking a morning after pill won’t work.
Ella functions more closely to the period of fertilisation when compared to levonorgestrel morning after pills like Plan B. No matter where in your menstrual phase you are or whether you think you’re about to ovulate, it’s best to start taking contraceptive pills as soon as you can because the significant portion of women do not even know when they ovulate.
Side effects
The following are possible short-term adverse effects of the morning after pill:
– Drowsiness
– Sensitive breasts
– Headache
– Fatigue
– Diarrhoea or nausea
– Lower-back pain or cramping
– Increased bleeding throughout the period or between periods
What choices are there?
You can receive one or two emergency contraceptive pills depending on the type and dose. These include
Levonorgestrel Pill Levonorgestrel is a hormone that can be used as an immediate birth control solution. It can be used to prevent conception following unprotected sex. The “morning after pill” is another name for it.
Ella (ulipristal acetate) Emergency contraception with Ella can prevent pregnancy for up to five days following sex. It is more effective than other morning after pills. A component of ellaOne called ulipristal acetate prevents progesterone from working properly.
Myths About Morning After Pill
It works only on The Morning After
It’s a frequent misconception that the only time to use emergency contraception is within 24 hours of having intercourse. But that is untrue. Certain forms can be taken up to 5 days after having sex.
Unprotected sex should, of course, be followed as soon as possible by emergency contraception (or failed contraception). One tablet, Levonelle, cab be taken three days after engaging in unprotected intercourse, while EllaOne can be taken till five days afterwards. However, these medications are only useful if given prior to ovulation.
Although it’s advisable to try to take a pill as quickly as possible after unprotected intercourse, there are a number of reasons why it would not be possible to obtain emergency contraception right immediately. However, it’s much preferable to obtain emergency contraception later rather than never.
The Risks of Emergency Contraception
The emergency contraceptive pill manufacturers claim that several studies have not discovered any scientific proof that it would harm an unborn child or an ongoing pregnancy.
Additionally, the emergency birth control pill is only successful if used prior to the discovery of pregnancy. The emergency birth control pill will not function if you are already pregnant.
Emergency contraceptive pills primarily block the release of an egg from the ovary, but they can also inhibit fertilisation or prevent the implantation of an egg in the uterus.
Please be sure to speak with your healthcare practitioner if you have any queries regarding the emergency birth control pill or how to utilise it most successfully.
Emergency contraception works every time
This is rarely the case, regrettably. The sort of emergency contraception you use and how quickly after unprotected intercourse you are able to use it will determine how successful it is. Both varieties are quite successful if used during the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the sex. However, Levonelle loses much of its potency after more than 48 hours.
The efficacy of your emergency contraception may also be affected by certain medications you may be taking, such as over-the-counter St. John’s wort and prescriptions for heartburn and epilepsy.
Additionally, as emergency contraceptives prevent or postpone ovulation (the release of an egg), they are unlikely to be effective if used later in the cycle after ovulation has already taken place.
Your fertility may be impacted if you take it frequently
There is no proof that using emergency contraception will affect your fertility in the long run.
You can take emergency tablets as often as necessary, even more than once, throughout a menstrual cycle if necessary. However, taking another type of pill during the same cycle might not be possible. However, utilising other techniques frequently is more effective than taking emergency contraception.”
However, it’s not a wise idea to use emergency birth control methods as your primary method of child prevention. To learn more about your contraceptive options, consult your general practitioner or a nearby sexual health centre.
The morning after pill results in abortion
Only the union of viable sperm and an egg can result in pregnancy. The morning after pill prevents the hormone rush that releases the egg from happening, delaying ovulation long enough for any potential sperm to die. If ovulation is stopped, there will be no egg for the sperm to meet because sperm can survive in the reproductive canal for up to five days.
The morning after pill cannot prevent an already fertilised egg from implanting or impact a pregnancy that had already taken place if ovulation occurred immediately before you had unsafe sex or is presently occurring.
Read Also
- The Future of Men’s Health: Why Telehealth Is Here to Stay
Telehealth isn’t just a pandemic trend that faded into the background. For Australian men, it has become one of the most practical, time-saving, and stress-free ways to manage everyday health — and it’s shaping the future of how we access care. Platforms like DOCTO, an Australian online doctor and specialist telehealth service, are leading the… Read more: The Future of Men’s Health: Why Telehealth Is Here to Stay - How to Build a Simple, Clean Skincare Routine ?You don’t need a complicated skincare routine. It doesn’t have to be something that requires twenty different products and confusing steps. Your routine works well with just a few high-quality clean ingredients. The beauty industry keeps pushing more products, but your skin actually needs less. You only need a simple approach to get better results… Read more: How to Build a Simple, Clean Skincare Routine ?
- How Preventive Dental Care Supports Overall HealthHave you ever wondered how a simple dental checkup could impact your entire body? Oral health is more than just a bright smile. Studies show that poor dental habits can contribute to serious health problems. Gum disease and tooth decay are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and infections. Yet, many people overlook preventive dental care.… Read more: How Preventive Dental Care Supports Overall Health
- Seeing Clearly in a High-Tech World: A Deep Dive into Advanced Vision Care ServicesProtecting your eyesight isn’t optional—it’s essential. Modern eye care has evolved far beyond basic exams, offering advanced diagnostics, personalized treatments, and surgical innovations that keep vision sharp for life. A leading example is Intermountain Eye Center, home to specialists like Dr Fishburn Boise, where patients receive comprehensive, high-level vision care designed to preserve long-term eye… Read more: Seeing Clearly in a High-Tech World: A Deep Dive into Advanced Vision Care Services
- Why the Keto Diet Works for Some People—and Fails Dramatically for Others: An Ayurvedic Breakdown for Modern HealthcareThe keto diet has dominated weight-loss culture for years. For some people, it produces rapid fat loss, stable energy, and improved mental clarity. For others—especially those who gain weight easily—it leads to burnout, digestive distress, rebound weight gain, high cholesterol, and a metabolism that feels slower than before. Healthcare often frames this as a discipline… Read more: Why the Keto Diet Works for Some People—and Fails Dramatically for Others: An Ayurvedic Breakdown for Modern Healthcare
- How to Choose the Best Assisted Living Facility for SeniorsAre you looking for the right assisted living facility for a senior loved one? Choosing a place can feel overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, from care services to the environment. Safety, comfort, and social opportunities play important roles in daily life. Each senior has unique needs and preferences that must be met. Understanding… Read more: How to Choose the Best Assisted Living Facility for Seniors
