How effective is the Morning After Pill?

The morning after pill is a type of emergency birth control that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.  Many women have questions about this pill, and that's completely normal. After all, if you're considering using it, you want to know if it works! 

The good news is that when used correctly, the morning after pill can be pretty effective at preventing pregnancy. These pills work better the sooner you take them after unprotected sex. So, let’s look at how well these pills work, what factors affect their working, and how to use them effectively.

What Is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception works by temporarily stopping or delaying your ovary from releasing an egg. If there's no egg available to meet sperm, pregnancy can't happen.

Types You Can Get

The most common type is Plan B (or similar brands), which you can buy right from the pharmacy shelf without a prescription. Another type, Ella, is stronger but requires a prescription from your doctor. Both work well, but Ella tends to work better, especially if you weigh more.

How It's Different From Regular Birth Control?

Regular birth control pills are like having a security guard on duty every day, while the morning after pill is like calling emergency backup when needed. Regular pills prevent pregnancy all month long, but emergency contraception is just for those unexpected situations.

When to Take It?

The earlier you take emergency contraception, the better it works. Plan B is most effective within 72 hours after unprotected sex but can be taken up to 5 days afterwards. Ella remains effective for the entire 5-day window.

Effectiveness Rates

Let's talk honestly about how well the morning after pill works. When you take Plan B within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it's about 95% effective. 

How Time Changes Things: The effectiveness starts dropping as time passes:

• Within 24 hours: about 95% effective.
• Within 48 hours (2 days): about 85% effective.
• Within 72 hours (3 days): about 75% effective.
• After 3 days: the effectiveness keeps dropping.

Different Pills, Different Results

Ella (the prescription-only pill) generally works better than Plan B, especially if you weigh more. It stays about 85% effective throughout all 5 days after unprotected sex.

Factors That Can Reduce Effectiveness

It's important to know that the morning-after pill may not be as effective in certain situations. This knowledge can help you make better decisions about emergency contraception and when to seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

Waiting Too Long to Take It

Time is crucial for the morning-after pill. Think of it like a countdown – every hour that passes after unprotected sex reduces how well the pill works. The difference between taking it right away and waiting three days can be huge for preventing pregnancy.

Your Weight and Body Size

According to NIH, The morning after pill might not work as well if you weigh more than 165 pounds or your BMI is over 25. If weight is your concern, talk to your doctor about other emergency contraception options.

Taking Other Medications

Some medicines can fight with emergency contraception in your body, making it less effective. This includes antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and natural supplements like St. John's Wort.

Getting Sick After Taking It

If you throw up within two hours of taking the pill, you might not have had enough time to work in your body. You might need to take another dose, so call your healthcare provider if this happens.

Where You Are in Your Cycle

The pill works by delaying ovulation, but it won't be as effective if you've already ovulated. Sometimes, it's hard to know exactly when you're ovulating unless you track it carefully. This is why taking the pill as soon as possible is needed.

Using It Too Often

If you frequently use emergency contraception, it can reduce its effectiveness. It's meant for unexpected situations, not as regular birth control.

What Are Common Side Effects of Morning After Pill?

Before discussing possible side effects, it's worth noting that many people don't experience any. And even when they do occur, side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

• Changes to Your Period: Your next period might come earlier or later than usual and be heavier or lighter than normal. This is temporary and usually goes back to normal by your next cycle.
• Nausea and Stomach Issues: Some women feel queasy or have an upset stomach after taking the pill. This usually lasts for about a day or so. It's similar to how some people feel slightly sick after taking potent vitamins on an empty stomach.
• Breast Tenderness: Your breasts might feel sore or tender for a few days after taking the pill. This is normal and similar to how they might feel before your period. 
• Headaches and Dizziness: After taking the pill, you might get a headache or feel dizzy. This usually doesn't last long—typically a day or two.
• Tiredness: Some women feel more tired than usual for a day or two after taking the pill. Their bodies are dealing with strong hormones, so it's normal to feel like they need extra rest. 
• When to Call a Doctor: Most side effects are expected, but get medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach, heavy bleeding, or if you think you might be pregnant. These aren't common, but it's better to be safe.
  

When to Use Emergency Contraception?

The morning after pill is meant for emergencies – those ‘just in case’ moments when something unexpected happens with your regular birth control plan.
You should consider taking emergency contraception if:

• Your condom broke or slipped off during intercourse.
• You missed two or more doses of your birth control pills.
• You're more than 24 hours late for your birth control shot.
• You missed placing your patch or ring on time.
• You weren't using any birth control during sex.
  

You may also like to read: 5 natural remedies for erectile dysfunction

Final Thoughts

The morning-after pill is a helpful backup option if your regular birth control fails. It's most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex but can still prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days, according to the type. It's important to be prepared: know where to get emergency contraception, understand how it works, and ask your birth control options with a doctor to find what's best for you.