The “morning-after pill,” also known as emergency contraception (EC), is a backup method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. It is taken shortly after sex to avoid an unintended pregnancy, not as a primary form of contraception.
How Emergency Contraception Works
Emergency contraception pills primarily function by delaying or preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Two main types are available: levonorgestrel-based pills and ulipristal acetate pills. Levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B One-Step) is most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, though it can be used up to 120 hours (five days) later with decreasing effectiveness. Ulipristal acetate (ella) can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex and may be more effective than levonorgestrel, particularly if taken closer to ovulation.
These pills work before pregnancy is established by preventing fertilization or implantation. They are not abortion pills and will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Can You Take It Multiple Times?
While there is no strict limit to how many times emergency contraception can be taken, it is not recommended for frequent or routine use. Each dose is designed for a single instance of unprotected sex and does not offer continuous protection. Repeated use can lead to several drawbacks.
Emergency contraception is less effective than regular birth control methods. For example, levonorgestrel is up to 94% effective within 24 hours, but its efficacy drops to about 58% after 72 hours. Ulipristal acetate is up to 98% effective within 24 hours, decreasing to around 85% within 120 hours. Regular birth control methods, such as pills or IUDs, are significantly more effective.
Frequent use can also result in more disruptive side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Repeated use can significantly disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing irregular, heavier, lighter, or delayed periods. Additionally, emergency contraception offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Long-Term Birth Control Options
Since emergency contraception is intended for backup situations, exploring reliable long-term birth control methods is important for consistent pregnancy prevention. Various effective options offer continuous protection and are more suitable for routine use. These include hormonal methods like pills, patches, rings, injections, and implants. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), both hormonal and copper, are also highly effective and can provide protection for several years.
Long-term methods generally have higher efficacy rates and often fewer side effects than repeated emergency contraception use. For instance, IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms, while less effective than hormonal methods or IUDs, offer the added benefit of protecting against STIs. Consulting a healthcare provider is the best step to discuss individual needs and determine the most appropriate long-term birth control method.