Hello, I'm Dr. Sarah, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. I've been practicing for over 15 years, and I'm here to help you understand the morning after pill, also known as emergency contraception.

It's important to start by addressing the common misconception that the morning after pill is an abortion pill. It is not. The morning after pill does not terminate an existing pregnancy. Instead, it prevents pregnancy from occurring in the first place.

How does the morning after pill work?

There are two main types of morning after pills:

* Progestin-only pills: These pills, like Plan B One-Step and Next Choice, work by delaying ovulation or preventing the release of an egg. They can also thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

* Combined pills: These pills, like Ella, contain both estrogen and progestin. They work primarily by delaying ovulation.

The effectiveness of the morning after pill depends on several factors, including:

* Type of pill: Progestin-only pills are less effective than combined pills.
* Time taken after unprotected sex: The sooner you take the morning after pill, the more effective it is.
* Body mass index (BMI): The morning after pill may be less effective in women with a higher BMI.
* Other factors: Using certain medications, like certain anti-seizure medications, can also reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill.

Effectiveness of the morning after pill:

* Progestin-only pills: When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, they are **estimated to be 89% effective in preventing pregnancy**. If taken within 120 hours, their effectiveness decreases to around 75%.

* Combined pills: When taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex, they are **estimated to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy**.

**It's important to note that these are just estimates.** The actual effectiveness can vary from person to person.

Is the morning after pill safe?

The morning after pill is generally safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and breast tenderness. However, some women may experience more serious side effects, such as bleeding or spotting between periods.

**Who should not take the morning after pill?**

The morning after pill should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may be pregnant. It should also not be taken by women who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the pill.

Where can I get the morning after pill?

The morning after pill is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and drug stores. You can also get it from your doctor or a clinic.

Important to remember:

* The morning after pill is not a substitute for regular birth control.
* It should be used only in emergency situations.
* If you are sexually active, it's important to discuss your birth control options with your healthcare provider.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any further questions about the morning after pill, please don't hesitate to ask.
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If you take it within 72 hours after you've had unprotected sex, Plan B One-Step can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. If you take Plan B One-Step within 24 hours, it is about 95% effective. But you should know that Plan B One-Step is not as effective as regular contraception.read more >>