What is the Morning After Pill, How is it Used?

The morning-after pill is a birth control pill that can be used in situations that do not want to become pregnant after unprotected sexual intercourse or that pose a risk due to the contraceptive method used. It is an emergency contraceptive and is disposable. To be effective, it must be taken within the first 72 hours after intercourse. The morning after pill is not a birth control method that can be used regularly, as it contains high levels of hormones. It also does not terminate an existing pregnancy and should not be confused with the abortion pill.

The morning-after pill contains levonorgestrel, a derivative of the hormone progesterone, which is produced naturally by the ovaries. This active ingredient inhibits or delays the release of eggs. It also prevents the sperm from reaching a previously released egg.

If you use it right after the intercourse, the effect rate is 98%, if you use it within 72 hours, it is 87%. As time passes, the effect of the pill decreases. Therefore, try to use it as early as possible. See a doctor immediately if you suspect pregnancy, if your period is more than 7 days late, if your period is short and if you experience sudden pains.

What Are the Side Effects of the Morning After Pill?

High doses or misuse of the morning after pill, which provides effective results in preventing unwanted pregnancy in unprotected sexual intercourse, may cause some health problems. Side effects are seen due to this hormone in those who use the drug containing a high level of progesterone hormone with an overdose. These side effects can be seen even in a single dose in some cases.

The most common side effect of the morning after pill is menstrual irregularity. This irregularity can last for several months even with a single use. In addition to menstrual irregularity, most women also experience nausea and vomiting. Especially women who vomit within the first few hours after taking the drug should reuse the drug at the same dose as the drug loses its effect. Nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness may occur for several days after taking the drug.

The symptoms listed below are not long lasting. If you are using other drugs, consult a doctor for the risk of interaction. Common side effects are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Headache
• Changes in the next menstrual period (early or late menstruation, menstrual pain)
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Unexpected light bleeding.

How to Use the Morning After Pill?

Due to the name of the morning after pill, there is a perception that it should be taken the day after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, when the morning after pill is taken immediately after sexual intercourse, its effect is much greater. In general, the pills that should be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse do not take effect after this time.

While the pills used in the first 24 hours prevent pregnancy by 90%-98%, the probability of preventing pregnancy is reduced to 48% in the pills used in the first 75 hours. For this reason, if it is used immediately after sexual intercourse, the probability of preventing pregnancy is much higher. The most important reason for this is that the way of use changes according to drug brands.

Some morning-after pills are used in a single dose, while others require a double dose. Taking more than the specified dose can cause various health problems, while a low dose reduces the effect mechanism of the pill. The morning after pill, which is not a birth control method, should not be used continuously or regularly.

• You can get this pill from any pharmacy without a prescription.
• You need to take it within 72 hours after intercourse in order to see the effect.
• It should not be used every day, as it contains too many levels of hormones.
• If you vomit 2 hours after using the medicine, you must drink the medicine again.
• If you haven't had your period in 3-4 weeks despite using the pill, take a pregnancy test.

In Which Situations Is It Used?

• After unprotected intercourse
• Condom coming off or puncturing during intercourse
• Dislocation of the diaphragm

In Which Situations Is It Not Used?

• If you suspect pregnancy
• If you are allergic to one or more of the ingredients in the medicine,
• Do not use if you have recently experienced vaginal bleeding.

As a result, the morning after pill;

• It is not a method
• Not used continuously
• It has no permanent dangerous side effects,
• Its protection is around 80%,

You still take family planning seriously and protect yourself from unwanted pregnancies, physical and mental trauma.