Emergency Contraception/The Morning-After Pill

Emergency contraception is a pill administered after unprotected sex to prevent conception. The pill must be taken within 72 hours to be effective. The pill works by delaying ovulation to ensure that there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize. Emergency contraception is 89-95% effective, this effectiveness rate is contingent upon when the pill is taken. If taken within 24 hours, the pill is much more effective than if it is taken within 72 hours.

The pill will be given to the patient after a brief consultation with the doctor or nurse to ensure that this form of contraception is ideal for the patient. The patient will take the pill and expect their period as normal. The pill will not work if conception has already occurred.

The Morning-After Pill could affect the following period, bleeding can be heavier or lighter than normal. The pill may also cause the menstrual period to come later or earlier than expected. The patient’s period will stabilize in the following months. Should their period not come at all, the patient should reach out to their physician.

All three methods of contraception are reversible. One can conceive after prolonged discontinuation of each method. Please consult a physician to discuss concerns about conception after contraception usage.