The consumption of the morning after pill has become popular over time and this, Like everything, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Many women have gotten it (in a timely manner) at some point in their lives, or because the condom broke during intercourse or for other reasons. However, there are others who have decided to take it continuously, as if it were a contraceptive for regular and non-emergency use. And while this may seem like a good security strategy, it’s not.
The experts of Argentine Society of Pediatrics They make available to the public a series of data on this medicine and we, for our part, will tell you the myths that revolve around it.
What is the morning after pill?
The morning-after, morning-after, emergency or post-coital pill contains high levels of levonorgestrel, linestrenol, desogestrel, or norethindrone (any of the above).
It is basically a synthetic progestin, a hormone that women have and which is contained in the usual birth control pills. The difference is that this type of pill contains it in a larger amount. As a curious fact, we tell you It was created in the Netherlands in 1964.
What the emergency pill offers you is the possibility of prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse in which there was ejaculation inside the vagina.
It is used in cases where the other contraceptive method has failed or if there has been some forgetting of it (in the case of the daily pills). It is recommended to take it within a period not exceeding 72 hours. after intercourse.
Myths and truths about the morning after pill
1. Does not cause miscarriages
This is a very common myth and it is not. The emergency pill does not cause an abortion. Its function is to stop ovulation and therefore the fertilization of the egg. However, it is important for you to know that if there has already been an implant, the pill will have no effect. That’s why it’s important to take it in the first 72 hours after intercourse.
2. It can have side effects
While not the norm, yes, the morning after pill can have some side effects in some people.
- The vast majority have mild symptoms, of which the most common are nausea and vomiting.
- Other women report headaches and menstrual irregularities.
- Another large group say they haven’t felt any discomfort at all, so it all depends on the person.
3. It’s not 100% effective.
- Unfortunately, it’s not 100% effective.
- His effectiveness is 95%.
- Another factor is time, if taken within 24 hours of intercourse it is much more effective than if taken later.
- After 72 hours its effectiveness drops to 55%. As we have already indicated, it is important for you to know that if you have ovulated directly or if you are already pregnant, the pill will have no effect.
4. Doesn’t prevent STIs
The only barrier method that exists to protect you from any sexually transmitted infection is condoms or condoms, for both women and men.
5. You don’t need a prescription
Starting from 2009 in different countries, both in Europe and America, the free sale of the postcoital pill was implemented. In most countries you can buy it if you are over 13 years old. In some places, especially family planning centers and hospitals, they offer it for free.
6. It does not cause miscarriage if you are already pregnant
As mentioned above, this pill does not cause miscarriages. Therefore, if you are already pregnant and take it by mistake you will not abort, but it can have harmful consequences.
7. He doesn’t protect you for the whole month
The morning after pill is used only and exclusively to prevent fertilization after unprotected intercourse.
It only works for up to 72 hours after intercourse.. After 3 days the effect fades and the normal cycle returns. To protect yourself during the rest of the month, we advise you to look for another type of contraception.
8. It can’t leave you barren
“Emergency contraception has proven to be effective and well tolerated, acting through different mechanisms, mainly the inhibition or delay of ovulation” the experts explain.
The biggest lack of control that the morning after pill generates is with menstruation. The only thing you can hear is a slight lack of control with the rule, delays, advances or light bleeding. Don’t worry, it’s only temporary.
9. You cannot use it as a normal contraceptive
As we have already said, this pill is for an emergency only. Consuming it continuously can make you immune to its effect. On the other hand, it can cause irregularities in ovulation, cause greater lack of control and increase the risk of pregnancy on the regular days of the cycle.
- It is recommended use it at most 2 times a yearwith a rest period of at least 6 months.
Now you know that the morning-after pill isn’t as bad as people say. Don’t forget to protect yourself every time you have sex and find the most suitable contraceptive method for you.
Regardless of which contraceptive method you choose (remember that this is an emergency), that is important never have unprotected sex.And is that there is not only the possibility of getting pregnant, but also of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
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