The morning after pill: how to take it, how it works and in which cases it works

In case of unprotected sex or if contraception has failed, there is an option to avoid pregnancy. It’s about pill or The morning-after pill, although it has been around since the 1970s, its use is confusing. Therefore, it is important to know how it is assumed and in which cases it works.

The first point is that, as explained by the art the doctor the gynecologist and obstetrician Miguel Bensadón at the Entremujeres site, “Its administration should be occasional, not like the usual contraceptive methodHe”.

This must also be taken into account it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

How does it work

The same note explains its fundamental mechanisms.

This pill is made up of a compound with levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone that has different types of action. Between them:

– Modify the cervical mucus. ANDThis protects the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina. Since the levonorgestrel makes this flow become more hostile to sperm survival.

– Delays or inhibits ovulation. With which the chances of the egg coming into contact with the sperm will be minimized.

– Avoid the implant. That is, that an already fertilized egg adheres to the walls of the uterus.

It is also essential to know that this drug does not terminate the pregnancy. On the other hand, if a pregnancy has already occurred, it will not cause any disturbances in the embryo.

how to take it

To maximize its action, it is essential to know it “the earlier it is taken, the more effective it will be”adds Bensadon.

The statistics speak for themselves: if it is ingested in the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse, the effectiveness will be 95%; between 24 and 48 hours, 85%; and less than 75%, between 48 and 72 hours”.

It comes in two presentations: one with two tablets (which can be taken together or within 12 hours) and one with just one. Both options have the same dose of hormones.

Another important fact: it can be consumed up to three times a year. Its more frequent use could generate alterations in the normal functioning of the ovaries.. That is, irregular cycles and missed ovulation.

The effects

After being ingested, vaginal bleeding is expected from two to fourteen days.

If this does not happen, it will be advisable to take a pregnancy test. Then the cycle will normalize.

In addition, the following symptoms usually occur in the next two days and will gradually disappear.

• Nausea
• vomit
• Abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness
• Heachache
• dizziness
• Fatigue.​

When in doubt, it is important to consult a trusted doctor.