Morning After Pill

The morning after pill primarily works by stopping or delaying ovulation, which prevents sperm from fertilising an egg. It may also make it harder for sperm to reach the egg by altering cervical mucus. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy and will not work if you are already pregnant.

There are two main types of morning after pill available in the UK. One contains levonorgestrel, which can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex. The other contains ulipristal acetate, which can be taken up to 5 days after sex, and may be more effective closer to ovulation.

The morning after pill is not used to treat symptoms, but as a precaution following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. You may consider it if a condom has broken, slipped, or if you missed your usual contraceptive pill. It is a proactive measure rather than a response to physical symptoms.

The need for emergency contraception typically arises after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or forgetting to take a regular pill. Other causes include delayed use of hormonal contraception or concerns about potential pregnancy. The morning after pill is designed for occasional use, not as a regular contraceptive method.

The morning after pill is considered very safe for most women. The side effects are usually mild and may include nausea, fatigue, headache, or changes in your next period. Serious side effects are rare, and it has been used safely by millions of women worldwide.

The morning after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex for maximum effectiveness. Levonorgestrel is effective up to 72 hours, while ulipristal acetate works up to 120 hours (5 days). The earlier you take it, the better the chance of preventing pregnancy.

Levonorgestrel-based pills are no longer effective if more than 72 hours have passed since unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate can work up to 120 hours, but not beyond that. If the time window has passed, you may want to speak to a healthcare professional about other options, such as a copper IUD.

The morning after pill only works for the specific incident of unprotected sex that has already happened. It does not provide protection for any further sexual activity. If you have unprotected sex again, you will need to use another form of contraception.

The morning after pill is less effective if you have already ovulated, because it mainly works by delaying ovulation. If fertilisation has already occurred, it will not prevent pregnancy. In this case, a copper IUD may be a more effective emergency option.

Yes, there is still a small chance of pregnancy even after taking the morning after pill. Effectiveness depends on how soon you take it and where you are in your menstrual cycle. Using regular contraception going forward will provide more reliable protection.

The morning after pill temporarily alters your hormone levels to prevent or delay ovulation. This can sometimes cause side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness, or a change in your next period. These effects are short-term, and your cycle should return to normal afterwards.

The morning after pill starts working as soon as it is absorbed into your body. Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate are designed to prevent pregnancy if taken before ovulation occurs. However, effectiveness reduces the longer you wait, so it is best taken as quickly as possible.