Morning After Pill: 8 Keys To Know How It Works

When choosing a contraceptive method, we women wonder what are the advantages and disadvantages of each one. It is a complex matter and, far from simplifying things, there are countless contraceptive systems on the market: patches, prophylactics, vaginal rings... A real mess.

Although there are less and more reliable methods, it is convenient to have information about all of them, since we will help to know which ones best suit our needs and how we should use them.

Today we want to explain to you what the morning after pill.

Morning After Pill: A Safe Way To Avoid Pregnancy?

One of the methods to prevent pregnancy is the morning after pill. Although there are many women who use it regularly, there is a long list of topics, myths and misunderstandings about this pill.

To shed some light, we've put together this list of eight keys to find out how it works.

1. What is the morning after pill?

It is a pill that is indicated to prevent pregnancy from occurring after having had an intimate relationship without the use of effective contraception or in the event that there are suspicions that the contraceptive may have failed.

2. How should I take this pill?

It depends on the country in which you live, the medicine will be presented under different trade names. In Spain, the pill is sold under the trade name of Norlevo Y Postinor. Both pills work on the basis of a progesterone called levonorgestrel. It must be ingested a single 1,500 milligram tablet.

3. How does it work exactly?

The day after pill acts on various organic processes. First, it is responsible for preventing or delaying ovulation, so that the egg cannot be fertilized by a sperm.

Second, the pill temporarily modifies some characteristics of cervical mucus, which is a substance that we have in the cervix, with the objective of making it difficult for sperm to travel easily through the uterus and therefore decreasing the chances that they will reach their goal: Ovum.

4. In the event that fertilization has already occurred, what happens if I take the pill?

It is possible that, by the time you take the pill, a sperm cell has already fertilized an egg. In this case, the morning after pill can also be very useful. The pill acts in the uterus by preventing the embryo from adhering to the wall of the uterus. If the pill succeeds, the embryo does not prosper and is expelled during menstruation.

5. In which cases should I take the pill?

To maximize the chances of it being effective, should be ingested as soon as possible after you have had a risky intimate relationship. Its effectiveness is 95% in the first 24 hours having had relationships. If you let more time pass, its effectiveness will be less and less.

6. What are the secondary effects?

The pill acts on the production of hormones, altering hormonal function. Therefore, you may notice some side effects, such as alterations in the menstrual cycle, nausea, dizziness, feeling of weakness... Although they are common effects among women who take the pill, do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any questions or feel bad after having it taken.

7. I have taken the pill. How will I know if it has worked?

If you have one menstruation, you can breathe easier: the pill has taken effect; you are not pregnant. Anyway, keep in mind that the pill modifies hormonal functioning, so it is not uncommon for your period to come a little earlier or later than usual.

8. Is the pill a 100% reliable contraceptive?

Not, taking the morning-after pill does not guarantee that you will avoid pregnancy. It is true that the pill has shown good effectiveness, but it is not 100% reliable. In fact, it is a emergency contraceptive method, and you should not use it as a regular birth control system, because sooner or later you could get pregnant. Pure statistics.

To avoid scares, you should consult your gynecologist, who will be able to guide you and indicate the contraceptive method that best suits your case.