What is the morning after pill and how does it work?

The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception that can be taken after sex. If a female has had sexual intercourse without contraception or contraception was in-affective (e.g. condom split) the morning after pill can be used up to 72 hours after sex. After the 72 hours is up you have the option of having an IUD fitted up to 5 days after intercourse has occurred.

It works by stopping the ovaries releasing eggs. The pill contains hormones which aid this process. The morning after pill also makes the womb slippery so fertilised eggs cannot stick to it and develop into a baby.

Most forms of the morning after pill are presented with 2 tablets to be taken 12 hours apart from each other; however some now come as a 1 tablet dose.

Cost

It is free from your Doctors but you will need to make an emergency appointment as you only have up to 72 hours. If the doctors is not an option, over 16’s can usually buy the morning after pill from a chemist but the price tag is around £25. Some chemists do provide free contraception.

Do you need to see the doctor after taking emergency contaception?

Usually you do not need to go to the doctors, however if your period is late or you think you may be pregnant please book an appointment and seek advice.

Side Effects

The more common side effects from taking the morning after pill are headache, nausea, painful breasts and irregular vaginal bleeding.

Effectiveness

It is more effective within the first 24 hours. It can be used up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse but has more chance of working the earlier it is taken.

The morning after pill cannot prevent or treat sexually transmitted diseases.

Is it the same as Abortion?

The UK government has claimed that the morning after pill is not abortifacient because pregnancy only starts when an embryo implants in the womb. However, when asked to name three established scientists who accepted that pregnancy only occurred once an embryo had implanted, the Department of Health could not do so.

Is it better to see the doctor or pharmacist?

If you are prescribed morning after pills by your general practitioner, the doctor can check your state of health and medical history for anything which might make taking such pills dangerous. Pharmacists cannot check medical records, they may not be able to find out about patients’ medical history in other ways, and they may not be able to tell if a girl is aged under 16. A patient’s doctor will only be told that the pills have been supplied to her if the patient agrees.

Therefore it would be better if possible to see your doctor.

Does your age have an impact on the effectiveness?

No your age has nothing to do with the effectiveness. Whatever age you are the percentage of success are the same.

Buy the morning after pill online