Information on the Morning After Pill

Overview

The morning after pill, also known as Plan B, is a form of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Features

Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone that are necessary to carry a baby. The morning after pill is a high dose birth control pill.

Timing

The morning after pill can be taken up to three days after unprotected intercourse, according to the Plan B website.

Side Effects

According to the Emergency Contraception website, the morning after pill's most common side effects include dizziness, nausea and headaches. Tell your doctor if these side effects develop.

Availability

The morning after pill is available over-the-counter if you are older than 17 years old, according to Planned Parenthood.

Effectiveness

According to the Plan B website, seven of eight women who took the morning after pill did not get pregnant after unprotected intercourse.