The Morning after Pill: Did You Know?

Here's a WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, & WHY breakdown about the mighty, infamous morning after pill. If you've ever wondered about it's uses, or have been too scared to ask; here is the 411.

Who: the pill is made to work on the female reproductive system to alter female hormones (for those who are of child bearing age and fertile) and it should therefore only be purchased and ingested by them, in an "emergency" situation.

What: these POP (progesterone only pills) /emergency contraceptives are high dose progesterone pills taken orally to prevent pregnancy. They should NOT therefore be taken if pregnancy is suspected or has been established.

When: the 'emergency pill' is preferably taken within 12h of unprotected intercourse. The sooner it is taken after intercourse, the  greater the percentage chance of preventing pregnancy. Its efficacy decreases with passing time. It should NOT be taken as a regular contraceptive pill and should not be repeated frequently as it may cause severe hormonal stress and disturbances.

Where: it acts to prevent ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg (ovum) in the uterus. Depending on the stage of menstrual cycle at which it is taken.

Why: Pops are taken to prevent pregnancy when the female is in her fertile period of her menstrual cycle. Typically during ovulation time. It should be avoided otherwise.

Many times ladies rush into the pharmacy with a panic and request the morning after pill without considering some very important points.

It is not warranted if:

-She is pregnant

-She wishes to fall pregnant

-She takes daily contraceptives or other forms of contraception ( however some antibiotics and other drugs may decrease the efficacy of contraceptives in which case a second preventative measure is needed)

-She has had her period within a week  (5 days) or is expecting it within a week.

-She has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any component in the pill.

-She' s at high risk of arterial disease or has undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

NOTE:

The pill is neither a first line (condom, pessary, foam, etc) nor a second line (patch, daily pill, injection etc) pregnancy prevention mechanism. It should therefore be taken seriously and strictly in emergencies. They also do not prevent against sexually transmitted diseases. Ladies (and their partners) should be adequately informed before opting to take it.

Be in the know. Stay safe.

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