(source: flo)

The Morning After Pill is an emergency contraceptive that women can use after unprotected sex or when contraception has failed. It can be an effective way to prevent pregnancy, but it is important to understand how it works and how to use it correctly.

What is the Morning After Pill?

The Morning After Pill, also known as the emergency pill or Plan B, is a contraceptive that contains a high dose of hormones. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone. These hormones can suppress ovulation, reducing the chance of pregnancy.

What happens if you take the morning-after pill?

How does the morning-after pill work?

1. 🥚 Ovulation suppression: The pill can cause ovulation to be delayed or not occur at all. As a result, no egg is available for fertilization.
   
   
2. 🍯 Thicker uterine lining: The pill can also cause thickening of the uterine lining, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine wall.
   
   
3. ☔️ Reduced sperm function: In addition, the Morning After Pill can affect the motility of the sperm, reducing the chance of fertilization.

What happens after taking the morning-after pill?

After taking the morning-after pill, various reactions can occur in the body. It is important to note that not everyone will have the same experience and side effects can vary.

1. 🩸 Changes in the menstrual cycle: Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking the morning-after pill. This can lead to early or delayed menstruation, heavier bleeding or lighter menstruation. These changes are normal and usually temporary.
   
   
2. 🤢 Nausea and vomiting: Some women may experience nausea after taking the morning-after pill. In rare cases, this can lead to vomiting, which may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. If you vomit within two hours of taking it, contact a doctor to discuss whether repeat dosing is necessary.
   
   
3. 🥱 Fatigue and mood swings: Another possible side effect of the morning-after pill is fatigue and mood swings. This is caused by the hormonal changes that take place in the body in response to the pill.
   
   
4. 🏀 Sensitive breasts: Some women may experience tender or painful breasts while using the morning-after pill. This is a temporary side effect that usually disappears on its own.

How and when should you take the morning after pill?

The Morning After Pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. However, it is still possible to prevent pregnancy if you take it within 72 hours (or even 120 hours in some cases), although its effectiveness decreases as more time passes.

The Morning After Pill is available at Kruidvat without a prescription. It is recommended that you read the package leaflet carefully before taking it so that you are aware of any side effects or contraindications. It is important to follow the instructions that come with the specific brand of Morning After Pill. In general, it is recommended to take one pill with a glass of water. Some brands require two pills to be taken at the same time.

It is also important to know that the Morning After Pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STDs). If you think you are at risk for an STD, it is advisable to contact a doctor for further testing and treatment.

How long after sex does the morning-after pill work?

Most types of morning-after pills are effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. However, there are also variants available that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex. However, it is crucial to understand that the longer you wait, the less effective the pill may be.

The mechanism of action of the morning-after pill differs depending on the type of pill you use. The most common variant contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone. This substance may inhibit or delay ovulation, preventing fertilization. In addition, it can also influence other processes involved in conception.

Although this medication is often referred to as the "morning-after pill," it is important to know that it can also be effective if you take it later. So even if you don't think about it until the next day, it's still worth trying.

The morning after pill is not a regular contraceptive

However, it is essential to note that the morning-after pill is not a replacement for regular contraceptive methods. It is intended as emergency contraception and should not be seen as a routine form of protection against pregnancy. If you have sex regularly and do not want to become pregnant, you should use reliable contraception, such as the pill, condoms or other methods prescribed by a doctor.

How long does the morning after pill stay in your body?

It is important to know that the morning after pill is not an abortifacient . It can only work if fertilization has not yet taken place. If there is already a pregnancy, this pill will not be effective. Therefore, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex to ensure maximum effectiveness.

But how long exactly does the morning after pill stay in your body? It is generally assumed that the hormones are fully absorbed by the body within 24 hours of ingestion. This means that the majority of the active substances are active within this period.

However, this does not mean that the morning after pill no longer has any effect after 24 hours. The hormones can still remain in your body for some time and do their work. However, it is important to emphasize that the effectiveness of the pill decreases as more time passes.

Reliability of the Morning After Pill

It is important to know that the morning after pill is not 100% reliable and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STDs). According to research, the morning after pill has a success rate of approximately 85%. This means that about 15 out of every 100 women who take it can still become pregnant.

The success rate may vary depending on several factors, such as the time of ingestion and individual biological characteristics. It is therefore important to monitor your menstrual cycle after taking the morning after pill and take a pregnancy test if necessary.

When does the morning after pill not work?

Although the morning after pill is generally very effective at preventing pregnancy, there are situations where it may be less effective:

🕙 1. Taken too late:

The effectiveness of the morning after pill decreases as more time passes after unprotected sex. It is therefore important to take it as soon as possible. Most emergency pills should be taken within 72 hours of sex, but some can be effective for up to 120 hours (5 days). The sooner you take it, the greater the chance that it will work.

⚖️ 2. Weight:

There are indications that the effectiveness of the morning after pill may decrease in women with a higher body weight. This is because the hormones may be less well absorbed into the blood. If you are overweight, it may be wise to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist about alternative forms of emergency contraception.

💊 3. Medication use:

Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill. This is especially true of certain antiepileptic drugs, antibiotics and herbal supplements such as St. John's wort. If you are taking medication, it is important to discuss this with a healthcare provider before taking the morning after pill.

🥚 4. Earlier ovulation:

If you have already ovulated before having sex and have had unprotected sex, the morning after pill will not work because there is already an egg available for fertilization.

🤏🏽 5. Incomplete Dosage:

You may not have followed all the steps correctly when taking the morning after pill, such as missing a dose or not taking it as instructed. This can lead to reduced effectiveness.

Do you have doubts about the effectiveness of the morning after pill? Then follow these steps:

🧑🏼‍⚕️ 1. Consult a healthcare provider:

If you are concerned that the emergency contraceptive pill may not have worked, contact a doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on further steps you can take, such as taking a pregnancy test or discussing alternative forms of emergency contraception.

🤰🏽 2. Take a pregnancy test:

If your period is missed for more than a week after using the morning after pill, it may be wise to take a pregnancy test to be sure.

🤓 3. Learn from it:

It is important to understand why the morning after pill may not have worked in your specific case. Was it because you took it too late? Have you been taking certain medications that have reduced effectiveness? Finding out this information can help you make better contraceptive choices in the future.

Side effects of the morning after pill

As with other forms of medication, using the morning after pill can cause side effects. The most common side effects are:

🤢 1. Nausea:

Many women experience nausea after taking the morning after pill. This can range from mild nausea to severe vomiting.

💢 2. Stomachache:

Some women report abdominal pain after using the morning after pill. This may be accompanied by cramps and bloating.

🥱 3. Fatigue:

You may feel tired after taking the morning after pill. This may be due to the hormonal changes in your body.

😵‍💫 4. Dizziness:

Another common symptom is dizziness. This can occur due to hormonal changes in your body, but also due to the emotional stress associated with using emergency contraception.

🩸 5. Changes in menstrual pattern:

Using the morning after pill can lead to changes in your menstrual pattern, such as earlier or later menstruation, heavier bleeding or less blood loss.

It is important to realize that not everyone will experience side effects and that the severity of side effects can vary from person to person. If you experience serious side effects or if they persist for a long time, it is advisable to contact a doctor.

Experiences with the morning after pill

In addition to discussing possible side effects, it is also valuable to share experiences of people who have actually used the morning after pill. Below are some testimonials:

1. Anouk (23): "I had to use the morning after pill once after a condom mistake and fortunately I had no side effects. My period came a little later than normal, but otherwise everything went smoothly."
   
   
2. Lisa (29): "I used the morning after pill twice and both times I suffered from nausea and stomach pain. It was not a pleasant experience, but it was better than the risk of an unwanted pregnancy."
   
   
3. Tim (31): "My girlfriend used the morning after pill after we had unprotected sex and she had no significant side effects. We were both relieved that there was an option to prevent a possible pregnancy."
   
   

It is important to understand that everyone can respond differently to medications, including the morning after pill. What works for one person may turn out differently for another. It is always advisable to seek medical advice if you have any questions or concerns about using emergency contraception.

Is the morning after pill harmful?

It is generally accepted that using the morning after pill is safe for most women . However, there are certain situations in which its use is not recommended, such as in women with severe liver problems or allergies to one of the components of the pill.

When should you seek medical help?

Although the Morning After Pill is generally safe, there are some situations where medical attention may be necessary:

• 🤰🏽 If you are already pregnant: The Morning After Pill does not work if you are already pregnant. It has no effect on an existing pregnancy and will not terminate it.
  
  
• 💢 If you have severe abdominal pain or cramps: In rare cases, the pill can lead to ectopic pregnancy, which is accompanied by severe abdominal pain. This requires immediate medical attention.
  
  
• 🔥 If you are allergic to the ingredients: If you are known to have allergies to levonorgestrel or other ingredients in the pill, you should contact a doctor before taking it.
  
  
• 😵‍💫 In case of dizziness or fainting
  
  
• 🤢 In case of persistent nausea or vomiting
  
  
• 🩸 If you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding
  
  
• 🫁 If you experience swelling, itching or breathing problems. This may indicate an allergic reaction.

Availability and Advice

The morning after pill is available at pharmacies such as Etos and Kruidvat, without a doctor's prescription . You can simply go to a pharmacy and ask for advice on which brand to choose and how to use it. Pharmacists are trained to provide this information and can help you make the right choice.

It is important to be open and honest about your situation so that the pharmacist can provide you with the best options. If you have any questions or doubts about using the morning-after pill, it is always wise to consult a doctor for professional advice.

💸Price of the Morning After Pill

The price of the morning after pill can vary depending on where you buy it and which brand you choose. In general, a box of one pill costs between €10 and €18 . Some pharmacies offer generic versions that can be slightly cheaper than brand-name products. However, it is important to note that some brands may be more expensive than others, but this does not necessarily mean they are more effective.

It is advisable to compare different pharmacies before making a purchase as prices may vary. Some online pharmacies also offer the morning after pill at discounted prices, but make sure you only order from reliable sources.

What morning after pills are there?

Here is an overview of the different types of morning after pills that are available.

💊 1. Levonorgestrel (Norlevo, Plan B)

Levonorgestrel is the best known and most commonly used morning after pill. It contains a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone and works by preventing or delaying ovulation. It can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but is most effective when used as soon as possible. Levonorgestrel is available from pharmacies without a prescription.

💊 2. Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne)

EllaOne is another commonly used morning after pill that also helps prevent or delay ovulation. However, unlike levonorgestrel, ellaOne can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, giving women more time to take this pill when they need it. EllaOne does require a doctor's prescription and can be obtained through pharmacies.

💊 3. Copper-containing IUD

An alternative option to the morning after pill are copper-containing IUDs. These can be placed up to five days after unprotected sex and work by releasing copper ions, which reduces sperm motility and prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg. However, inserting a copper IUD must be done by a doctor or gynecologist.

💊 4. Yuzpe method

For women who do not have access to specific morning after pills, the Yuzpe method (also known as double birth control pills) may be an alternative option. This method uses high doses of estrogen and progesterone to reduce the chance of pregnancy. However, it is less effective than levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate and may cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

💊 5. Contraceptives with copper

Finally, some intrauterine devices (IUDs) made of copper can also be used as emergency contraception for up to five days after unprotected sex. Like the copper-containing IUD, it works by releasing copper ions to immobilize sperm cells and prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. However, the insertion of a copper-containing IUD must be performed by a doctor or gynecologist.

Conclusion: how does the morning after pill work?

The Morning After Pill is an emergency contraceptive that women can use after unprotected sex or when contraception has failed. It contains hormones that suppress ovulation, thicken the uterine lining and reduce sperm motility. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but can be effective for up to 72 hours (or even 120 hours). The pill can cause side effects such as nausea, stomach pain and fatigue. It is important to know that the morning after pill is not 100% reliable and does not provide protection against STDs. It is available without a prescription from pharmacies and prices vary. There are several brands available, such as Levonorgestrel (Norlevo, Plan B) and Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne). Other options are the copper-containing IUD, the Yuzpe method or contraceptives with copper. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice and assistance when using the morning after pill.