Hi, I'm Dr. Sarah, a board-certified OB/GYN with over a decade of experience in women's health. I'm here to provide you with accurate and comprehensive information about your reproductive health. Let's talk about emergency contraception, specifically the morning-after pill.

It's important to understand that the morning-after pill doesn't work in the same way as regular birth control pills. While birth control pills are taken daily to prevent pregnancy, emergency contraception is taken *after* unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

How Emergency Contraception Works

There are two main types of morning-after pills:

* **Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, others):** This is the most common type and is available over-the-counter. It works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). If ovulation has already occurred, it may prevent the egg from being fertilized.
* Ulipristal acetate (ella): This is a prescription-only morning-after pill that also works by preventing or delaying ovulation. It may be more effective than levonorgestrel, especially if taken closer to the time of ovulation.

Effectiveness and Time Sensitivity

Here's where the "how long it works" part gets a bit tricky. Emergency contraception is most effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex.

* Levonorgestrel: It's most effective within the first 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. Effectiveness does decrease over time, but it can still be helpful for up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
* Ulipristal acetate: This is effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and maintains its effectiveness throughout that time period.

It's crucial to understand that neither type of morning-after pill is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

**Here's why the idea of "how long it works" can be misleading:**

* **Emergency contraception does not "terminate" an existing pregnancy:** It's essential to clarify that the morning-after pill is not an abortion pill. If an egg has already been fertilized and implanted in the uterus (meaning pregnancy has begun), the morning-after pill will not work.
* **It's about preventing pregnancy, not "undoing" it:** The morning-after pill works by interfering with the steps that lead to pregnancy. Once pregnancy is established, emergency contraception cannot interrupt it.

**What to Do if You Need Emergency Contraception**

* Take action as soon as possible: The sooner you take the morning-after pill after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be.
* **Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider:** They can help you determine which type of morning-after pill is right for you and answer any questions you may have.
* Consider ongoing contraception: If you're sexually active and not planning a pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about reliable birth control methods to use consistently.

Remember, I'm here to provide accurate and non-judgmental information to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
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