Hi, there! I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified OB/GYN with over 10 years of experience in women's health. I'm here to provide you with accurate and reliable information on the topic of emergency contraception, specifically the morning-after pill.

Let's address your question directly: **Is the morning-after pill 100% effective?**

The short answer is no. No contraceptive method, including emergency contraception like the morning-after pill, is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it's crucial to understand how effective it is and the factors influencing its success rate.

There are two main types of morning-after pills available:

1. **Levonorgestrel pills (Plan B One-Step, Take Action, AfterPill, My Way, etc.):** This is the most common type and is available over-the-counter without age restrictions.


2. Ulipristal acetate (ella): This pill requires a prescription and is considered slightly more effective than levonorgestrel.

**Here's a breakdown of effectiveness:**

* Levonorgestrel: When taken correctly within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, levonorgestrel can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. It's most effective when taken within 24 hours.
* Ulipristal acetate: This option can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex and is estimated to be about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Factors Influencing Effectiveness:

Several factors can affect the effectiveness of the morning-after pill:

* Time: The sooner you take it after unprotected sex, the better. As time passes, the effectiveness decreases significantly.
* Weight: Studies have shown that levonorgestrel may be less effective in individuals with a BMI over 25 and may not be effective at all for those with a BMI over 30. Ulipristal acetate's effectiveness is less impacted by weight but may still be reduced in those with higher BMIs.
* Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including the morning-after pill.
* Ovulation: If ovulation has already occurred before taking the pill, it's less likely to be effective.

Important Notes:

* The morning-after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
* It's not intended as a regular method of contraception. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about reliable birth control options that fit your needs.
* If you experience vomiting within 2-3 hours of taking the pill, it's important to contact your healthcare provider as you may need to repeat the dose.

**If you have any concerns about potential pregnancy after unprotected sex, please consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.** They can provide personalized advice, assess your individual risk factors, and discuss the best course of action for you.
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No contraceptive method works in 100% of all cases, but the morning after pill is very effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies if taken within certain time limits. The effectiveness of the morning after pill varies depending on how soon after sex it is taken.read more >>