Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception)
What is the Morning-After Pill?
The Morning-After Pill is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and up to 120 hours after. The sooner it is taken the more effective it will be. This is NOT an abortion pill.
How Does the Morning-After Pill prevent pregnancy?
Because pregnancy does not occur immediately after sex, The Morning-After Pill simply prevents the egg from meeting the sperm.
How Effective is the Moring-After Pill?
The Morning-After Pill is about 89% effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex but becomes less effective as time goes by.
What are the Advantages of Taking the Morning-After Pill?
It is a last minute option to prevent pregnancy. However, the Morning-After Pill should not be used as a type of birth control method.
What are the Disadvantages of Taking the Morning-After Pill?
- Not a reliable method of continuous birth control.
- Some women have side effects including irregular or delayed bleeding.