What is the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception. It is used to prevent pregnancy after a woman has had unprotected sex or another birth control type has failed. The morning-after pill is not a substitute for routine birth control, and will not protect you from HIV and any other sexually transmitted diseases.
It is important to know that the morning-after pill is not an abortion pill. Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy, whereas the abortion pill terminates an established pregnancy.
How does it work?
The active ingredients in morning-after pills are similar to those in birth control pills, except in higher doses. Some morning-after pills contain only one hormone, progestin (Plan B), and others contain two, progestin and estrogen. Progestin prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and keeps a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus (implantation). Estrogen stops the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) that can be fertilized by sperm.
How is the morning-after pill taken?
It comes in the form of two pills that are taken by mouth after unprotected sex. The first dose should be taken within 72 hours (of unprotected sex) followed by the second dose 12 hours later. It can reduce a woman’s risk of pregnancy by 89% when taken exactly as directed.
Since unprotected sex might happen when your doctor’s office is closed, getting a prescription for the morning-after pill in advance means that it will be there for you, in time, if you ever need it.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects can include nausea, abdominal pain, tiredness, headache, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast tenderness, and vomiting. Menstrual bleeding may be heavier or lighter, earlier or later after taking the morning-after pill. If your period is more than one week late, pregnancy should be considered.
If side effects persist or worsen while taking the morning-after pill always contact your doctor as soon as possible.
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Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
