This myth can result in an unplanned pregnancy, because NO, the morning after pill doesn’t replace another means of regular contraception. Emergency contraception should only be used as a backup if all other methods have failed.
How long does the morning after pill effect last?
The morning after pill affects ovulation by delaying or inhibiting the process in order to prevent the egg cell from being fertilised by the sperm.
The morning after pill, if it’s taken on time, can prevent pregnancy after a single instance of unprotected sex and will not continue to protect you for future instances of sexual intercourse . This is why it’s important to choose a regular contraceptive method that best suits you and your lifestyle!
What precautions should I take after using the morning after pill?
It’s important to note that ovulation can still occur later in your cycle after taking the morning-after pill. This means that you’re potentially fertile between taking the morning after pill and your next period. This is still true even if you take the regular pill, use a vaginal ring or a contraceptive patch.
In fact, the morning after pill may temporarily alter the effectiveness of your regular contraceptive pill, ring, or patch – good to know if you needed the morning after pill because you forgot to take your regular contraception. Everything will go back to normal once your next cycle starts, but until then, be sure to use a barrier contraceptive (such as a condom) if you have sex to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
If I want to have sex after taking the morning after pill I don’t need to use a protection
If you want to have sex after using emergency contraception, use a barrier method of contraception until your next period. This is because your fertility can come back very quickly. Emergency contraception is not regular contraception, and should be viewed as a “back-up”.
Can I take the morning after pill twice in the same cycle?
It’s not recommended to use the morning after pill repeatedly as a regular method of contraception because it’s less effective than regular contraceptive pills.
However, if you had another contraceptive failure and, rest assured “it can happen to any of us”, then you should use it again.
But keep in mind that it may be less effective. Why? Because the morning after pill works by delaying ovulation: if ovulation has already occurred at the time of taking the pill the second time in the cycle, it won’t be as effective. As they say “better safe than sorry” – be cautious and keep condoms at hand (your handbag or nightstand are great places) until your next period!
