The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘morning after pill’ or ‘Plan B’. It is important to understand how the morning after pill works and the risk of pregnancy after taking it.
How the Morning After Pill Works
The morning after pill works by preventing or delaying ovulation. It also works by making the uterine lining thinner, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. The morning after pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but can still be taken up to five days after.
Understanding the Risk of Pregnancy After Taking the Morning After Pill
The morning after pill is very effective in preventing pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective. It is estimated that the morning after pill is 85% effective in preventing pregnancy. That means that 15 out of 100 women who take the morning after pill will still become pregnant.
It is also important to note that the morning after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is important to use protection and get tested for STIs regularly.
In conclusion, the morning after pill is an effective emergency contraceptive, but it is not 100% effective. It is important to understand the risks of pregnancy after taking the morning after pill and to use protection to prevent STIs.