When it comes to unwanted pregnancy anybody can feel the stress or anxiety. So, if you think this anxiety is affecting your Sex-life, don’t worry. The solution is the Morning-After pill. But, at times, these pills might not be that effective. Want to know the reasons behind it? Read on.
Overview
Did you forget to use the Condom or notice the one you used got damaged? Yes, unprotected intercourse happens to the best of people. But don’t worry; there is a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy- An emergency contraception pill or the famous “Plan B. It is taken orally after unprotected sex. However, even though you find it exhilarating, this emergency contraception has limits. Sometimes these pills don’t work if you don’t take them at a perfect time. And yes, there will be some signs that plan b didn’t work, but hey, no need to worry.
In this article, you will learn everything about how morning pills work and when to take them. So, let’s get started.
How does the emergency contraceptive pill work?
Two types of morning-after pills are available in the market- levonorgestrel and Ulipristal acetate. Levonorgestrel mainly works by delaying the release of the egg so that the sperm fails to fertilise it. This is because sperm can only survive up to five days inside the female body. On the other hand, Ulipristal acetate prevents progesterone from functioning.
Still wondering, “how do you know if the morning-after pill worked?” Well, you cannot entirely rely on these two methods to avoid pregnancy. If you have already ovulated before consuming the pill, it won’t work.
7 Most Common Reasons Why Emergency Contraception Becomes Less Effective
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy, but as mentioned earlier, sometimes people take it and remain pregnant. Here are seven reasons why this happens.
1: Ovulation Happened Before Taking the Pill
Birth Control is all about timing. And in case of emergency birth control, you must take the pill as soon as possible. If you take it right after physical intercourse, it will prevent you from Ovulating. However, if you have already ovulated, the pills won’t work. So, if you are wondering, “will the morning after pill work if I have already ovulated?” The answer is No.
2: The Pills Are Effective for Some Body Types
Healthcare providers use the body mass index (BMI) scale to decide how contraception pills work. For example, a recent study has proved that contraception pills are less effective for people with a BMI of 30 or higher.
3: Taking Medications That Interact with Emergency Contraception Pills
Be careful if you are using herbal products or other medicinal drugs. As it can make emergency birth control pills less effective.
4: Missing a Day of Taking the Pill
Generally, contraception pills are intended to take daily. If a person misses one day, the hormone levels may not remain stable to prevent pregnancy.
5: Severe Diarrhoea or Vomiting
Often you can be sick while taking the pill. And when you vomit, the pill can come back up and might not be fully absorbed by the body. And shortly after, if you don’t take the pill right away. Later time can prove challenging to deal with.
6: Not Taking the Pills at the Same Time Each Day
As mentioned earlier, Birth control pills need to be taken every day and at about the same time each day. If you fail to maintain the timing, it may be less effective later.
7: Not Continuing With a New Pack Right Away
Starting with a new pack is necessary if your previous one has already finished. If a person misses a few days for not having a new pack in time, it can make the pill less effective in preventing pregnancy.
Signs That the Morning-After Pill Didn’t Work
After taking the pill, if you are still wondering, “how long does plan b delay ovulation” or “how to know if plan b work”, – here are some signs that the morning after the pill didn’t work
- Missed period
- Vaginal discharges but not the usual type
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- A rapid heart rate
Conclusion
Yes, it’s natural that an unwanted pregnancy can cause anxiety even after taking the pill. Several questions may pop up: “how long does the morning-after pill delay ovulation” or “will the morning-after pill work if I have already ovulated?. Early pregnancy symptoms may suggest that plan b didn’t work. But as symptoms can happen for many reasons, you should opt for a pregnancy test.
Do you want to consult a healthcare professional regarding emergency contraception? Consider visiting Ova to connect with licensed medical providers for personalised treatment.
FAQs Related to Why Emergency Contraception Didn’t Work
Why didn’t my emergency contraceptive pill didn’t work?
The morning-after pill won’t work if your body has already started ovulating. This is why timing is essential.
What are the chances of emergency contraception not working?
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy up to over 95% if you take it within five days after sexual intercourse.
How do you know if the emergency pill didn’t work?
Usually, people cannot confirm if plan b has worked or not. The only way to know is by taking the pregnancy test or if your next period arrives at a particular time.
Is it possible that morning-after pills don’t work?
Yes, it’s only possible if your body has already started ovulating or you miss taking the pills on time.
Can you still be pregnant after taking the morning-after pill?
If you are searching, “can you get pregnant after taking the morning-after pill during ovulation?” Yes, it’s possible. Although the morning-after pill decreases the chance of getting pregnant, it’s not always effective.
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 treatments here.