The Truth About the Morning After Pill

Emergency contraception (EC) is often referred to as “morning after pill” or “the day after pill” because it is a birth control used to prevent pregnancy after an unprotected sexual intercourse. It can also be used when an existing birth control method fails such as condom breaks, or if a cervical cap slips out during sex.

There are two available forms of EC. These are emergency contraceptive pills and Copper T380 intrauterine device. Let us focus on the pill. The hormones found in these emergency contraceptive pills are the same as those found in birth control pills although the dosage is higher in EC pills.

There are 2 kinds of EC pills, the Preven Plan and Plan B. Preven plan pills contains a combination of estrogen and progesterone and consists of 2 doses of pills that are taken 12 hours apart. Usually the first dose should be taken within 72 hours after an unprotected sexual intercourse. Preven can reduce that chance of pregnancy by 75% if used exactly as directed.

Plan B pills on the other hand is a progesterone-only pill. The first dose is usually taken immediately after sexual intercourse and the second dose 12 hours after. Plan be can reduce the chance of pregnancy by 89%.

EC pills cannot be used as a form of contraception for sexually active women as these are less effective than the regular birth control methods. These pills cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases so a back up birth control must be used. EC cannot terminate an existing pregnancy and should not be mistaken for Mifeprex or RU486 ( the “abortion pill”).

There are other birth control pills that can be used as emergency contraception but proper consultation is needed. These pills are available only through prescription. It is advisable to check with your health care provider.