Morning-after pill: 8 keys to know how it works

Everything you need to know about this emergency contraceptive method.

When it comes to choosing a contraceptive methodWhen it comes to choosing a contraceptive method, women wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of each one. It is a complex issue and, far from simplifying things, there are countless contraceptive systems on the market: patches, prophylactics, vaginal rings... A real mess.

Although there are more reliable and less reliable methods, it is useful to have information about all of them, as it will help us to know which ones are best suited to our needs and how we should use them.

Today we want to explain to you what the morning-after pill.

The morning-after pill: a safe method to prevent pregnancy?

One of the methods to prevent pregnancy is the morning-after pill. Although there are many women who use it on a regular basis, there is a long list of clichés, myths and misunderstandings about this pill..

To shed some light on the subject, we have compiled this list of eight keys to understanding how it works.

What is the morning-after pill?

It is a pill that is indicated to prevent pregnancy after intimate relations. after having had an intimate relationship without having used an effective contraceptive method or in case there are suspicions that the contraceptive may have failed.

2. How should I take this pill?

Depending on the country you live in, the medicine will come under different trade names. In Spain, the pill is sold under the trade name of Norlevo y Postinor. Both pills work on the basis of a progesterone called levonorgestrel. A single tablet of 1,500 milligrams a single 1,500-milligram tablet..

3. How exactly does it work?

The morning-after pill acts on several organic processes. First, it prevents or delays ovulation, so that the egg cannot be fertilized by a sperm.

Second, the pill temporarily modifies some characteristics of the cervical mucus, which is a substance we have in the cervix, with the aim of making it difficult for the sperm to travel easily through the uterus and therefore decreasing the chances of them reaching their goal: the egg.

4. If fertilization has already occurred, what happens if I take the pill?

It is possible that by the time you take the pill, a sperm has already fertilized an egg. In this case, the morning-after pill can also be very useful. The pill acts on the uterus by preventing the embryo from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus.. If the pill is successful, the embryo does not thrive and is expelled during menstruation.

5. When should I take the pill?

To maximize the chances of it being effective, should be ingested as soon as possible after you have had a risky intimate relationship.. It is 95% effective within 24 hours of intercourse. If you let more time pass, its effectiveness will be less and less.

6. What are its side effects?

The pill acts on hormone production, altering the hormonal function. Therefore, you may notice some side effects, such as alterations in the menstrual cycle, nausea, dizziness, feeling of weakness... Although these are common effects among women who take the pill, do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any doubts or if you feel unwell after taking it.

7. I have taken the pill, how will I know if it has worked?

If you have a menstruationIf you have a period, you can breathe a sigh of relief: the pill has worked; you are not pregnant. In any case, keep in mind that the Pill modifies hormonal functioning, so it is not unusual that you may get your period a little earlier or later than usual.

8. Is the Pill a 100% reliable contraceptive?

No, taking the morning-after pill does not guarantee that you will avoid pregnancy.. It is true that the pill has proven to be effective, but it is not 100% reliable. In fact, it is an emergency contraceptive methodand you should not use it as a regular Birth Control system, because sooner or later you might get pregnant. Pure statistics.

To avoid scares, you should consult your gynecologist, who will be able to guide you and indicate the contraceptive method that can best suit your case.