Sex & Relationships
the facts about the morning after pill
Morning After Pill Facts
Why is it so difficult to say: "Can I have Emergency Contraception please?" It is safe and effective and it is available over the counter from any pharmacy, without a prescription. You don't have to give an explanation, you just ask for it.
My friend who is a very assertive 30-year old business owner told me the following story with great animation: She Googled 'the morning after pill' and thought that armed with the medical term 'emergency contraception' she will just walk up to the counter and ask for it.
When the conservative-looking middle-aged pharmacist asked her what she wanted, she kept her hand over her mouth to show off her wedding ring, but could not get the words out. After a torturous few minutes she finally got the message across.
In case you want to be in a better position when you ask for emergency contraception, here are the facts:
• It should be taken 12 to 72 hours after you had unprotected sex, but the sooner the better
• The newer products can be taken as a once-off dose, but make sure you follow the instructions
• It prevents ovulation and does not cause an abortion
• It does not protect you for the rest of your cycle – you could fall pregnant later in that cycle again
• It could delay your period for up to a week – so don't freak out!
• It will not protect you against STIs
• If you are on the pill, but have not been taking it regularly, you could drink four tablets of your pill at the same time and then four tablets 12 hours later for emergency contraception (for preparations with 35ug of oestradiol or less). This is not as safe and effective, but much better than an unwanted pregnancy!
Last updated: Mon, 2011-07-18 18:25
About this blog
Dr Elna Rudolph is the clinical head of the Intercare Centre for Sexual Health and is one of only two doctors in South Africa with a masters degree in sexual health. Her work includes sexual health check-ups, contraceptive management, the treatments of STIs as well helping patients with sexual health issues such as low libido and those who experience painful sex. She also provides medical services for the LGBT (lesbian gay bisexual and transgender) community.
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thank-you, always good to know
I've read somewhere that the morning after pill can cause women to have a beard. Is that true? I actually have it that's why I'm asking...
Hi Keamo
No, the morning after pill will not give you a beard. You should not be using it on a regular basis though - it contains high levels of hormones, which will influence your natural hormone balance. If you need it a few times a year, rather go onto reliable contraception.
A beard is more likely to be caused by too much testosterone and is often associated with a condition of your ovaries called PCOS. Ask your doctor or gynae for a hormone profile and if they think you have other signs of increased testosterone/PCOS.
Hope that helps!
Dr Elna Rudolph
Yes does that not count as abbortion
Dear JESUS SE KIND
No, it cannot cause an abortion. It only prevents ovulation (the release of the egg). If ovulation had already occured, the morning after pill will not work and you can still fall pregnant in that cycle. If you are already pregnant by the time you take it, it is extremely unlikely to harm the fetus, but is should still be avoided.
The method that does cause and abortion is inserting an intra-uterine device after having unprotected sex. That will prevent the implantation of the embrio that has already formed and is effective much later than the morning after pill. They say up to 5 days later, but you will most likely still have an abortion if you insert it much later in pregnancy.
E
my boyfriend and i were having protected sex with quality condoms (said so on the box) well known brand and it broke, we only realised this after he came! so i think ppl should add unprotected sex with snapped condoms!
I Agree!
E
My Girlfriend and I had unprotected sex, she completed her cycle on a Thursday, and 2 days later we had sex. She took the morning after pill within 12 hours, but she hasnt had any spotting of blood or any effects of the pill
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