Morning after pill
DEFINITION
The Morning After Pill is a form of emergency contraception
that may be used following unprotected sexual intercourse, or if
contraception failed (e.g broken condom). It is not meant to be
used as a regular form of contraception.
that may be used following unprotected sexual intercourse, or if
contraception failed (e.g broken condom). It is not meant to be
used as a regular form of contraception.
DESCRIPTION
The name ‘Morning After Pill’ seems to suggest one pill taken
only during the morning after unprotected sex. This is not true.
The Morning After Pill can be taken up to a maximum of 72 hours
after unprotected sex. The first dose must be taken as soon as
possible (within a maximum of 72 hours) after unprotected sex and a
second dose exactly 12 hours later.
only during the morning after unprotected sex. This is not true.
The Morning After Pill can be taken up to a maximum of 72 hours
after unprotected sex. The first dose must be taken as soon as
possible (within a maximum of 72 hours) after unprotected sex and a
second dose exactly 12 hours later.
How the Morning After Pill works is not fully understood, but it
is thought to work in one of two ways depending on where you are up
to in your cycle. It can prevent pregnancy by either delaying
ovulation so that sperm will not be able to survive long enough to
fertilise an egg or the other mechanism is the prevention of a
fertilised egg implanting in the uterus. Very high doses of
hormones are used. The use of the Morning After Pill is generally
considered safe as the pills are only taken for a short
time.
is thought to work in one of two ways depending on where you are up
to in your cycle. It can prevent pregnancy by either delaying
ovulation so that sperm will not be able to survive long enough to
fertilise an egg or the other mechanism is the prevention of a
fertilised egg implanting in the uterus. Very high doses of
hormones are used. The use of the Morning After Pill is generally
considered safe as the pills are only taken for a short
time.
The high dose can leave some women feeling sick and many women
vomit while taking the Morning After Pill. Often women will be
prescribed anti-nausea tablets at the same time to help prevent
vomiting. Ideally these should be taken half an hour before the
Morning After Pill. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking
either dose of the Morning After Pill, you will need to take
another dose since it may not have had enough time to work. Ask
your Pharmacist for guidance. Other possible side effects include
sore breasts for a day or so, headaches or light bleeding.
vomit while taking the Morning After Pill. Often women will be
prescribed anti-nausea tablets at the same time to help prevent
vomiting. Ideally these should be taken half an hour before the
Morning After Pill. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking
either dose of the Morning After Pill, you will need to take
another dose since it may not have had enough time to work. Ask
your Pharmacist for guidance. Other possible side effects include
sore breasts for a day or so, headaches or light bleeding.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
You will need to consult your Doctor about The Morning After
Pill. Your Doctor will take a full menstrual history and attempt to
calculate when ovulation is/was due. Blood pressure will be
monitored and the medical history will be reviewed. A pelvic
examination may be carried out to ensure pregnancy has not
occurred. The Doctor will address the possibility that the Morning
After Pill may not have been effective and pregnancy may result.
Discuss with your Doctor other, more reliable methods of
contraception for future use. It is important to return to the
Doctor in three to four weeks to confirm that a pregnancy has not
taken place and to start an effective contraception regime.
Pill. Your Doctor will take a full menstrual history and attempt to
calculate when ovulation is/was due. Blood pressure will be
monitored and the medical history will be reviewed. A pelvic
examination may be carried out to ensure pregnancy has not
occurred. The Doctor will address the possibility that the Morning
After Pill may not have been effective and pregnancy may result.
Discuss with your Doctor other, more reliable methods of
contraception for future use. It is important to return to the
Doctor in three to four weeks to confirm that a pregnancy has not
taken place and to start an effective contraception regime.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist
- Be sure to drink at least two litres of water a day. Continual
vomiting can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replaced. - If there are any doubts as to exactly how to take the
medication ask your Pharmacist. - Ask your Pharmacist about another, more reliable form of
contraception. Condoms and spermicide cream, foam or gel can be
purchased at your Pharmacy. The oral contraceptive pill, an IUD, a
diaphragm or depo-Provera all need to be prescribed by a
Doctor.