Conversations surrounding sex, consent, and safety have become more open in recent years, but there is still a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive is a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy when used correctly and promptly. It can be an important option for individuals with unprotected sex or experienced contraceptive failure.
This post will further explain more about how the morning after pill works, followed by answering frequently asked questions.
Morning-After-Pill
The morning-after pill is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure and has morning-after pill benefits. It contains a higher dose of hormones than regular contraceptive pills, which can delay ovulation, prevent fertilisation, or inhibit the implantation of a fertilised egg in the uterus.
Generally, the morning-after pill does not long-term impact fertility. It is a short-term solution and does not affect your ability to conceive in the future. Studies have shown that emergency contraception does not have morning-after pill side effects menstrual cycle or hormonal balance in the body.
However, it is essential to note that the morning pill should not be used as a regular form of birth control. It is less effective than other methods and can cause side effects such as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. It is also not recommended for women who are already pregnant or have a history of liver disease, blood clots, or breast cancer.
Suppose you are concerned about your fertility or have been trying to conceive without success after using emergency contraception. In that case, it is recommended that you speak with a medical professional to discuss your options and any potential underlying issues affecting your ability to conceive.
How does an emergency contraception pill affect your fertility?
Morning-after pills are a form of contraceptive pills with a single dose of levonorgestrel. It is the synthetic version of the progestin hormone. Women take this pill to prevent getting pregnant within seventy-two hours or three days after having unprotected sex.
Using the morning pill or emergency contraception is unlikely to have any effect on a woman’s fertility. It doesn’t prevent them from becoming pregnant. If you think taking a morning-after pill is necessary, you may use it freely.
There is a myth that emergency contraception is ineffective, which is also false. The morning-after pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 95% when taken within twenty-four hours of unprotected sex, and it is still effective up to five days after unprotected sex.
Individuals need accurate information about morning-after pill benefits to make informed decisions about their sexual health. This includes knowing where to access emergency contraception, how to use it correctly, and understanding its potential side effects. Also, remember that emergency contraception should not be used as a regular form of contraception, and individuals should consider using a more reliable method of birth control to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
While a morning-after pill affects fertility has a low chance, there could be rare morning-after pill effects such as:
- Irregular bleeding after or before your menstrual cycle
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
- Breath tenderness
Conclusion
In conclusion, the morning-after pill is an effective form of emergency contraception when used correctly and on time. However, it shouldn’t be chosen as a regular form of birth control, and it is important to consult with a medical professional about any concerns or questions.
Want to consult a healthcare professional regarding morning-after pill effects and safety? Ova is a great platform to connect with licensed medical providers for personalised treatments affordably and discreetly.
FAQs
1. How long does the morning-after pill delay ovulation?
The exact amount of time that a morning-after pill can delay ovulation and how the morning-after pill works may vary depending on the individual, the type of pill used, and when it is taken in the menstrual cycle. Generally, the morning pill can delay ovulation for up to five days.
2. Why shouldn’t you take the morning-after pill regularly?
The morning-after pill, also called emergency contraception, should not be taken regularly as it is designed to be used only as a backup method of contraception and not as a primary method. If taken regularly, the effectiveness of the morning-after pill decreases, and the risk of unintended pregnancy increases. Taking a morning-after pill regularly can lead to side effects such as nausea, headaches, and irregular periods while affecting the quality of your life.
3. Can I take 2 morning-after pills in a week?
Taking two morning-after pills in the same week is not recommended unless a healthcare provider prescribes it. A morning-after pill is designed to be a backup form of contraception and should not be taken regularly or in high doses.
4. What happens if you take Plan B during ovulation?
If you take Plan B during ovulation, it may not be as effective in preventing pregnancy as it would be if taken before ovulation. Plan B, or the morning pill, works mainly by preventing ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, the pill may not prevent pregnancy.
5. Is it bad to take the morning-after pill more than once?
While taking the morning-after pill more than once is generally safe, it is not recommended to use it as a regular form of contraception. Emergency contraception is intended to be used only as a backup method of contraception and should not be relied upon as a primary method.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare here.