Morning-After Pills

The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if regular birth control fails (e.g., condom break, missed pills).

💊 Types of Morning-After Pills

1. Levonorgestrel-based pills

   • Examples: Plan B One-Step, Take Action, Levonelle.

   • Most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

   • Effectiveness decreases the longer you wait.

2. Ulipristal acetate pill

   • Example: ella.

   • Can be taken within 120 hours (5 days).

   • Maintains effectiveness better over the 5-day period than levonorgestrel.

⚙️ How It Works

• Prevents or delays ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary).

• May also prevent fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg.

• Does NOT end an existing pregnancy — it’s not an abortion pill.

⏳ When to Take

• As soon as possible after unprotected sex.

• The sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is.

• Available in most pharmacies without a prescription in many countries.

⚠️ Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Breast tenderness

• Changes in next menstrual period (earlier, later, heavier, or lighter)

Rare but serious:

• Allergic reaction

• Severe abdominal pain (could indicate ectopic pregnancy — seek medical help)

❗ Important Notes

• Not for regular birth control — less effective than standard contraception.

• If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, you may need another dose.

• May be less effective for people with higher body weight/BMI (especially levonorgestrel-based pills).

• If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.