The morning after pill, or emergency contraception (EC), is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy when unprotected intercourse occurs. This pill can prevent conception, which does not often occur immediately following intercourse. It is not the abortion pill, and does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Function
Emergency contraception pills contain high levels of the hormones estrogen and progestin, similar to those in birth control pills. These hormones help prevent the joining of sperm and egg, and they thin the lining of the uterus and thicken cervical mucus, which prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Time Frame
According to the Mayo Clinic, the morning-after pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, with a second dose 12 hours later. Other modes of emergency contraception may be effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, but the sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.
Side Effects
Side effects of emergency contraception can include nausea and vomiting, irregular bleeding, breast tenderness and headache.
Where do I get emergency contraception?
Plan B, a form of emergency contraception, can be purchased at drugstores or health clinics without a prescription if you are over 17; if you are younger than 17, you need a prescription from your doctor.
Warning
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including or HIV/AIDS, so if you think you are at risk it is best to be examined by a doctor.
