Nine myths about the morning after pill busted…from needing a doctor to protecting against STIs
IT’S a lifesaver for those unlucky enough to experience that nail-biting moment the condom breaks.
The morning after pill, also known plan B, helps prevent unwanted pregnancies in situations where one might happen.
But how much do you really know about emergency contraception?
As the name suggests, it’s there for emergencies and isn’t something you should be relying on for contraception – in other words, don’t be silly enough to have unprotected sex.
There are two kinds of morning after pill, Levonelle and ellaOne.
Levonelle contains a synthetic version of the female sex hormone progesterone, which is thought to stop ovulation.
The other, ellaOne, contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone working normally – also stopping the release of an egg.
But the pills don’t continue to protect you against pregnancy once you have taken them, it’s a once-only deal.
Here Dr Lizzie Kershaw-Yates busts the “facts” you may believe about the morning after pill…
Myth 1: It can only be taken the morning after
Yes, in this case the name is a little confusing.
But you still need to take it as soon as possible.
“The morning after pill can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex,” Dr Lizzie said.
“There are two different forms, which are used in different circumstances – ellaOne and Levonelle.
“Explain your situation to your prescribe, and they can help you decide which pill too take.
“An alternative to the morning after pill is a coil which is one of the most reliable forms of emergency contraception. It is placed into the uterus, up to five days after sex.”
The NHS recommends you take the morning after pill within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, just to be on the safe side.
Myth 2: You have to get it from a doctor
You don’t need a GP appointment, there are several places you can get it.
“Many high street pharmacies will give you them without a prescription,” Dr Lizzie said.
“There are also online clinics where a doctor can assess your suitability and prescribe the emergency contraception online.”
Myth 3: You don’t need to take a pregnancy test if you use it
No, you should absolutely still take one.
As with all contraception, nothing is 100 per cent effective so you need to wee on a test just to make sure.
“Emergency contraception is very effective if it’s taken within the time frame,” Dr Lizzie explained.
“However, it doesn’t work 100 per cent of the time.
“If your period still doesn’t turn up when expected, it’s always a good idea to take a pregnancy test.”
Myth 4: It protects against STIs
A nasty sexually transmitted infection is the last thing you want, but there is only one form of contraception that protects against those…and that’s condoms.
“Any unprotected sex should be followed by a full sexual health screen,” Dr Lizzie added.
“These can be done at a sexual health clinic or with your GP.
“You can even be tested within the confines of your own home with online pharmacies and clinics.”
FIND OUT MORE Most effective forms of contraception from the coil and the pill to implants and condoms…everything you need to know
Myth 5: It can be used as regular contraception
Another common myth.
The morning after pill is a one-time only protection against pregnancy, so it will do nothing to protect you the next time you have sex.
“It is called emergency contraception because it should only be used in an emergency – make sure you are on a regular form of contraception as well,” Dr Lizzie said.
“There are a huge range of options, many of which can be started straight away. Speak to your GP to talk through your options.”
Myth 6: It makes it harder to get pregnant in the future
This can be a scary thought for women who one day want to have kids, but you can take solace in the fact that it wouldn’t be available to us if it risked our fertility.
“There is no evidence to suggest that using the morning after pill will make it difficult for you to get pregnant in the future and it has no know effect on your fertility,” Dr Lizzie said.
Myth 7: It causes a ‘mini abortion’
Abortion is a controversial topic, but if you’re worried taking the morning after pill is like a mini abortion you can relax.
Emergency contraception simple stops you becoming pregnant, so there is nothing to abort.
“The morning after pill does not cause an abortion or an emergency period,” Dr Lizzie added.
“It works by delaying or inhibiting egg release. This means that the sperm waiting in the fallopian tubes will be unable to meet an egg and fertilise it.
“This is similar to regular contraceptive pills, which also work by preventing egg release.”
Myth 8: There are loads of side effects
One thing that puts a lot of people off of medication are side effects.
Thankfully, most women don’t experience any when using the morning after pill.
“Some people will experience side effects after using it although not everyone gets them,” Dr Lizzie said.
“The most common side effects are headaches, nausea, tummy pain and painful periods.
“Women sometimes experience delayed periods too and if this happens, you should take a pregnancy test.
“If you vomit within the first three hours after taking the morning after pill, you will need to go back to the pharmacy and take another one immediately.”
Myth 9: Tracking your cycle can prevent pregnancy
There is some truth to the concept of tracking your menstrual cycle to pinpoint ovulation and therefore the times you’re least likely to become pregnant.
But it’s not a reliable form of contraception – you should be using other forms.
“The unpredictability of ovulation together with the length of time sperm can be around to fertilise an egg, means that unplanned pregnancy may occur if you have unprotected sex at any time during your cycle,” Dr Lizzie said.
“There is no safe window where you can have unprotected sex and be certain you won’t get pregnant.”
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