There are thousands of contraceptive methods available to women around the world1. However, not all women are able to use them as indicated in order to benefit from the protection they provide. Some simply don’t use any method because they dislike the side effects. So, when they have unprotected sex, they end up panicking, afraid of an unwanted pregnancy. The morning-after pill is recommended for these cases, but many women don’t know how to use it, how often it can be used, or even what the risks of failure are.
What is the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive method that should only be used in extreme cases, such as when the usual contraceptive fails or the woman forgets to take her birth control pill. There are also cases when the condom breaks, the IUD is displaced, or the diaphragm moves out of place. The emergency contraception method is also used in cases of sexual violence, and it is offered at the hospital.
Made with hormones levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, the sole objective of the pill is to prevent or inhibit ovulation2. Therefore, it is not used as an abortive method and does not cause abortion in case a pregnancy is already underway.
It is easily found in any pharmacy or drugstore and does not require a prescription to buy. Prices can range from R$7.00 up to R$36.00 and you can find packages with a single one-dose pill or with 2 pills, depending on the composition and brand.
How to use the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill, contrary to what many women believe, cannot be used whenever you want or every time you have sex. Because of its composition, gynecologists consider it a true hormonal bomb, which can be harmful if used constantly. Its effectiveness can also be affected. The recommendation is to take the morning-after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. But there is a maximum window of up to 72 hours (3 days). However, we must alert that the longer you take to ingest it, the less effective it is. If taken within 72 hours, its effectiveness drops to 88%.
Can the morning-after pill cause side effects?
It’s not uncommon to find women with questions about what they might experience after using the morning-after pill and its possible side effects. Not all women will experience these effects, but you may be susceptible to them because of the hormonal load this medication can cause in the female body3. The most commonly reported symptoms after using this method are:
- Pain and tenderness in the breasts;
- Diarrhea;
- Menstrual cycle coming early;
- Menstrual delay;
- Spotting in the middle of the cycle.
Besides all the symptoms mentioned, it is normal for the menstrual cycle to undergo changes in the following months, which can make some women worry, thinking they are pregnant. As a result, most women take a pregnancy test in the next cycle after using the morning-after pill to confirm they are not pregnant.
Can I get pregnant even after taking the morning-after pill?
Like any other contraceptive method, it is not 100% effective, especially if there is a delay in taking it after unprotected sex. Because it interrupts or inhibits ovulation, the chances of pregnancy are practically nil if the pill is taken hours after intercourse. However, even though the chances are minimal, they do exist. Therefore, if you took the morning-after pill during this cycle but are noticing different symptoms in your body, aside from the menstrual delay that is considered normal after use, take a pregnancy test.
Questions about the morning-after pill
There are many questions about using the morning-after pill. Because it is not a contraceptive that can be used daily, it is necessary to clarify these points to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and to avoid spending money on a method that might fail due to incorrect use.
How many times can I use the morning-after pill?
The main question concerns frequency—whether it can be used more than once in the same month or how many times per year it can be used. The morning-after pill should never be taken more than once a month. Some doctors recommend taking, at most, 12 pills per year, or one per month. Even so, this is excessive and we do not recommend it, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive. Remember, the morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive and should not be used as a recurring method of pregnancy prevention. This method should only be used in extreme cases where other methods have failed.
Does the morning-after pill work if I am already in my fertile window?
The morning-after pill works by delaying ovulation or preventing it from occurring. That is why there is some doubt as to whether it is effective if a woman is already ovulating. If the emergency method is used immediately after intercourse, there is a higher chance of preventing an unwanted pregnancy. However, there is a significant chance that fertilization can occur during this period. Therefore, if you take the morning-after pill during your fertile window, we recommend waiting until the date of your next period and taking a pregnancy test to be sure.
If I have unprotected sex a day after taking the morning-after pill, am I protected?
Because it is an emergency method, its effect is intended for the unprotected sexual act that day. Any others that occur after using it can still result in pregnancy. If you are sexually active, the ideal is to consult a gynecologist and start using oral or injectable birth control, remembering that these only prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. To prevent STIs, always use condoms during sex.
If I get pregnant even after taking the morning-after pill, can the baby be born with any health problems?
Because the morning-after pill does not have an abortive effect and is only intended to prevent or delay ovulation, it does not cause any effect on the fetus if a pregnancy is already underway. This also applies to women who use oral contraceptives and continue taking them after becoming pregnant (without knowing). The risk comes from continuing to use hormonal methods for a long period. In that case, there is a chance of changes in the embryo. But if use is suspended right after discovering the pregnancy, there are no risks.
Are there any contraindications for using the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is not recommended for women with venous thromboembolism, liver failure, or metabolic disorders, as there is a risk of worsening these conditions. If you have any questions, talk to your gynecologist.
See also: Pregnancy Test
