Facts About "The Morning After Pill"

Facts:

This is not the same thing as RU486

The “Morning After Pill” can be considered an emergency contraceptive in that it is a high dose of the birth control pill

It is recommended to be used after sexual intercourse over a period of 72 hours with the goal to prevent pregnancy or to end it if fertilization has already occurred

Procedures:

The pills are a combination of progestin and estrogen. There are two doses, not just one pill.

The first pill must be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of intercourse. The second is taken 12 hours later.

You will be instructed to take a pregnancy test first to make sure you are not pregnant. A three-week follow up with your doctor is recommended.

How it Works:

Tries to first prevent ovulation from occurring, if it hasn’t occurred already

Interrupts the menstrual cycle to delay ovulation

Alters the lining of the uterus so that if ovulation and fertilization has occurred, the egg will not implant.

Side Effects:

Nausea

Vomiting

Menstrual cycle disturbance

Headaches

Dizziness

Breast tenderness

Tubal pregnancy

Blood clot formation