Contraception is a common concern among sexually-active women and with so many options out there, it’s hard to determine which one’s the best. The morning after-pill is one of the many options that’s used in case of emergencies.
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive pill and is used to prevent pregnancy, especially after a woman has hand unprotected sex, or in case there’s a tear in the condom. The morning-after is taken orally, and is meant to used with caution as it can cause some side effects.
How Does it Work?
Morning-after pills are intended to disrupt ovulation or fertilization. They often contain high doses of the same hormones like estrogen, progestin (or both), which are found in regular oral contraceptive pills like birth control pills.
The morning-after pill comes in a blister containing two pills. You’re meant to take the first dosage as soon as you can (preferably within 72 hours after sex) and the second dose 12 hours later. The pill is generally effective up to five days after unprotected sex. You should not consume any alcohol or drugs when you’re on the morning-after pill as it’ll only cause a lot of discomfort and even compromise its effectiveness.
Is it Effective?
It’s hard to determine if any form of contraceptive is 100% effective, but the US Food and Drug Administration reports that the morning-after pill has approximately 89% effectiveness. After all, the most effective form of contraception is abstinence. However, if your menstrual period is delayed by two weeks or more after taking your dosage, it is advised to take a pregnancy test.
What Are The Side Effects?
The most common side effects experienced by women who take morning-after pill include abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, nausea and vomitig
Where Can I Get It?
You can get the morning-after pill is easily available at most over-the-counter pharmacies in Malaysia. They’re readily available in most Guardian and Watson’s pharmacies, however the pharmacist may request identification to verify that you are of legal age.
Sources: Princeton, Women’s Health
