What is the morning after pill?

Oct 26, 2023 | Abortion Options, Abortion Options | Pregnancy

Young woman in a striped shirt holds a white pill and a glass of water

What is the morning after pill?

The Morning After Pill – also called by the brand name Plan B ® – has been referred to as “emergency birth control.” This is a different medication (either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate[1]) than the “abortion pill” (mifepristone and misoprostol) and is meant to be used within 3 days after unprotected sex. Note: don’t use this as a reliable, consistent form of birth control because it is not 100% effective. 

(Curious about the difference between the abortion pill and the morning after pill? We’ve got a quick video that highlights the differences.)

What does the morning after pill do?

The Morning After Pill may do 1 of 3 things:

  1. If you haven’t ovulated yet, it may prevent or delay ovulation.
  2. It may prevent sperm from reaching the egg by altering the lining of your fallopian tubes.
  3. If fertilization* has already occurred, it may irritate the lining of your uterus, making it harder for the embryo to implant, which causes a medical abortion to occur.

*Fertilization is when the sperm penetrates the egg. At this point, the chromosomes come together. These chromosomes are what determine a person’s eye color, hair color, gender, skin tone, fingerprints – all kinds of things[2]!

White pills lay on a pink background

 

What are the side effects of the morning after pill?

As with any medication, it’s important to note that this could react with other medications you take. Always consult with a medical professional when making decisions like this. The Morning After Pill side effects could include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness; cramping could also be an indicator of an ectopic pregnancy (keep reading!).

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus – often in the fallopian tube – and must receive medical treatment right away to avoid life-threatening complications. Some side effects of the Morning After Pill could mask the signs of an ectopic pregnancy.

Soft, green watercolor background. We can help with unplanned pregnancy. 

 

What are my options?

If you had unprotected sex or believe your birth control might have failed and need to discuss your options, we’re here to help! There’s no reason for you to navigate this alone. Our services are free and confidential, and we are a judgment-free space. We serve women in Branson West and surrounding areas, serving all of Stone County and beyond.

Call Us: 417-272-5210

Text Us: 417-593-1882

Make an Appointment: Click Here

Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. 

Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.

 

Sources:

  1. Morning After Pill. Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730
  2. Conception: From Egg to Embryo. WebMD. (2023, October 11). https://www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshow-conception
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