THE MORNING-AFTER PILL ( EMERGENCY ORAL
CONTRACEPTIVE)
Description
It
consists of female hormones to be taken in caplets within 72 hours
of having unprotected sex or a "birth control mishap". The
morning-after pill prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
However, it cannot interrupt a pregnancy.
Effectiveness
Emergency oral contraception is even more
effective when it is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
However, it can be used up to five days following sexual activity, even
though its effectiveness quickly decreases after the first 24 hours.
Research shows that 98% of women who use this method will have their
period within the two or three following weeks. It is difficult to rely
on accurate figures relating to its effectiveness.
Use
There are two different
medications available in pharmacies (you will need a prescription from
your doctor).
Plan B (progestin only):
- two tablets at a time or one tablet as soon as possible + one other 12
hours later or,Ovral (contraceptive
pill, estrogen + progestin) :
- two tablets as soon as possible + two other tablets 12 hours later.
Warning: the
morning-after pill will not protect subsequent sexual activity.
Side effects
Ovral: women may experience nausea, mostly
after the last two pills. Therefore, it is recommended to take a 50 mg
Gravol tablet a half-hour before the last two pills. If the pills are
evacuated because of vomiting within two hours of their ingestion, you
will need to take two more.
Plan B: causes less nausea and vomiting. It is not necessary to
take Gravol after the second dose.
Risks
Emergency oral contraception presents very low
risks. If you suffer from severe migraine, heart disease or if you have
suffered a thrombophlebitis or an infarctus, it is preferable to use
Plan B. Women who have no health problems can choose Ovral, which is
less expensive.
Menstrual cycle
The morning-after pill may cause your period to be
a few days late or early. However, if you don’t have your period within
three weeks, you must take a pregnancy test.
Breastfeeding
Women who breastfeed can use the
morning-after pill. The medication presents no danger to the baby
because of its very short active period.
Effects on the foetus
If
a woman becomes pregnant despite using the morning-after pill, there is
no danger for the foetus.
Is it a birth control method?
No!
The morning-after pill should only be used in emergency
circumstances. You should consider relying on a regular birth control
method before further sexual intercourse.
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