Whether you suffered from a condom mishap or a total lapse in judgment, having a backup plan is key when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancy. That’s where the Morning-After Pill comes in. A safe and effective tool, emergency contraception can be accessed without a prescription or explanation.
Knowing a few key facts about your options before you need them will save you a ton of stress later on. Here are the most important Morning-After Pill facts that could save you stress, time, money, or your life.
1. There Are Different Formulations Of The Morning-After Pill
There are two main forms of medication used as emergency contraception: levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA). The primary mechanism of both is to delay or inhibit ovulation, preventing the release of an egg. LNG pills work by delaying ovulation and are most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. UPA, on the other hand, also delays ovulation but is effective over five days from when it’s taken.
Important to note: both UPA (known by the brand name Ella) and levonorgestrel are available in South Africa and do not require a prescription.
2. Emergency Contraception Should Be Taken 12 To 72 Hours After You’ve Had Unprotected Sex – But The Sooner The Better
The MAP should ideally be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, within 12 to 72 hours. While many levonorgestrel-based pills (LNG) are most effective within 72 hours, their effectiveness decreases over time. The exception is UPA (Ella), which can be used up to five days after unprotected sex.
3. The Morning-After Pill Is NOT An Abortion
Here’s how emergency contraception works:
- Levonorgestrel works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. When you take it soon after unprotected sex, it keeps your body from letting the egg go, so there is nothing for sperm to fertilise, preventing pregnancy.
- Ella (which has ulipristal acetate) also works by delaying the release of the egg. It is slightly different and can work later in the cycle than levonorgestrel. Like levonorgestrel, it stops the egg from being released, so fertilisation cannot happen.
Both pills work best if taken before the egg is released. But! They don’t work if you’re already pregnant – or if the egg has already attached to the womb. But what if the egg was already released, fertilised, and implanted before you got a chance to take the pill? Well, in that case, you’re pregnant. That’s why it’s important to take the pill sooner rather than later (despite the 72-hour window). Bottom line? MAP is not an abortion.
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4. MAP Does Not Equal A Month’s Contraception
There are no safety concerns with using it every week; however, it’s not as effective as any ongoing method of contraception like the Pill. While emergency contraception is still highly effective, it is still not as reliable or effective as routine birth control (not to mention it’s way more expensive than other options).
In the same vein, emergency contraception does not provide continuous protection for the rest of the menstrual cycle – you could still become pregnant later in the same cycle if you have unprotected sex.
5. It Could Delay Your Period For Up To A Week
MAP can cause your next period to be earlier, later, heavier, or lighter than usual, which is normal. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. And remember: stress from the situation can also affect menstrual timing.
6. The Morning-After Pill Does Not Protect From STIs
Since emergency contraception only works to delay or prevent an egg from being released or fertilised, it won’t offer protection from any sexually transmitted infections from unprotected sex. See a doc ASAP if something’s off.
READ MORE: “I Ignored My Symptoms For 10 Years. It Turned Out To Be This Life-Altering Condition.”
7. Your Weight Could Affect How The MAP Works
In studies, levonorgestrel shows a significant decrease in effectiveness with increasing body weight and BMI. In research, there’s a sharp increase in pregnancy risk for women weighing above approximately 70-75 kg, with pregnancy risk becoming similar to no contraception for those above 80kg. Conversely, Ella (UPA) remains effective regardless of your weight. So, if your doc or pharmacist asks about your weight before dispensing the MAP, this is likely why – to make sure you’re given the correct meds.
8. There Are Side Effects For The MAP
There are mild side effects from taking the morning-after pill, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting (If you throw up within three hours of taking the MAP, you need to go get another one)
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Fatique
These side effects should last about one or two days.
9. The MAP Can Interact With Other Meds
Some medications and herbal supplements can reduce MAP effectiveness, so it’s important to inform healthcare providers about all medicines being taken. These include:
- Some anti-epileptic drugs
- St John’s wort, a herbal supplement
- Some Hiv/Aids meds – the ones that induce liver enzymes
- Some sleep meds
- Modafinil, a central nervous system stimulant
These enzyme-inducing substances can decrease plasma levels of levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate, reducing the emergency pill’s effectiveness.
READ MORE: What’s The Real Age For Perimenopause – And What Are The Symptoms?
10. The Copper IUD Is Also A Form Of Emergency Contraception
Yes! For anyone with meds that interact with LNG or UPA, the copper IUD is an excellent form of both long- and short-term contraception. If you’ve used contraindicated meds in the last four weeks, have a condition, or just want to avoid meds, you could consider the copper IUD.
The copper IUD can be used up to five days after unprotected sex, prevents fertilisation and implantation and works as both long-term and emergency contraception. To get the copper IUD in an emergency, visit your local clinic, doctor or Marie Stopes.
How To Get The Morning-After Pill In South Africa
Walk-in services for MAP
To get emergency contraception, visit Clicks, Dis-Chem, Marie Stopes or a clinic. Other sexual health centres also help, sometimes for free. If you are a student, your campus clinic should be able to assist.
Order the Morning-After Pill online
These apps offer emergency contraception delivery discreetly and for a good price
PillSquad
Sign up, provide necessary medical information, make a payment (they also work with medical aid) and PillSquad will handle delivery.
MyContraceptive
MyContraceptive by Zoie Health offers a quick consult, prescription (if needed) and delivery service. They’ll deliver Plan B to your door within 24 hours, and on the same day for people living in Gauteng.
READ MORE: Did You Know That You CAN Get A Pap Smear Done At A GP?
