The morning-after pill is a contraceptive that is used to prevent pregnancy for women who have already had unprotected sex, whose birth control plan has failed, and whose condom broke while having sex.
Dozens of people have been complaining over the ineffectiveness of the pill, but that is largely due to a lack of awareness. When you take the pill, how you take it and why you take it are the largest factors to consider before taking the pill to maximise its effect.
This pill is only a backup contraceptive model and should not be used as the primary mode of contraception in a person’s body. The morning-after pill does not equally end a pregnancy.
It works by delaying or preventing the ovulation process in a woman’s body. This would lead to delayed periods since the ovulation process has been pushed forward.
When to take the Pill
One should take the morning-after pill three days after having unprotected sex. The earlier one takes it, the more effective it would be. If one takes too long, however, one can easily get pregnant despite having taken the pill.
Since the pill delays or prevents ovulation, one should not take it if they’ve already ovulated. If one does, then it would not be effective as its purpose has already happened. Most people are unaware of their cycles and so would not have an idea of when they are ovulating.
Ovulation occurs within 10-14 days from the onset of one’s period. After which, an ovum is produced and the fusion of an ovum and sperm is likely to happen leading to implantation. The sperm only stays viable up to five days, if one ovulates more than ten days after having sex, then there are lower chances of getting pregnant.
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The pill could give you a headache, stomachache or lead to vomiting. If you vomit two or three hours after taking the pill, it is advised to seek a professional’s intervention. Additionally, you may have late periods considering the delay in the ovulation process.
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Who can take this Pill?
Anyone can take the emergency pill, including women who cannot use hormonal contraceptives and girls who are below 16 years of age. Most hospitals recommend the pill to girls and women who have been raped or sexually abused once they report to the hospitals after experiencing such an encounter.
It is highly advised not to make a habit of using the contraceptive pill since it may not be effective despite following all the guidelines. Though it has worked for a few doesn’t guarantee its effectiveness for everyone.
The pill does not ensure continuous inability to get pregnant but only works at that time. It also cannot be used as an abortion pill since implantation already happened.
Though the pill can keep one from getting pregnant if used on time, it cannot protect one from sexually transmitted diseases. It is therefore advised to engage in protected sex since it prevents the spread of STIs and the acquisition of pregnancies.
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