Morning-after Pill: What You Need To Know
In recent years, more women in Singapore are choosing not to have kids. (Source: The Straits Times) While there are many reasons why women are looking for birth control options, it is important to understand the different contraceptive options available and how they work, in order to make an informed decision.
In this blog post, we will be explaining one of the contraceptive options available, known as the morning-after pill: how it works, how effective it is, its side effects, and where to purchase it.
What Is A Morning-after Pill?
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive pill taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is the most convenient option to prevent pregnancy when accidents happen. However, it should not be taken as a regular contraceptive.
How Does The Morning-after Pill Work?
There are 2 main types of morning-after pills that contain either the hormone levonorgestrel or the hormone UPA. Morning-after pills work by delaying or preventing ovulation, or killing the sperm before it reaches the egg.
How Effective Is The Morning-after Pill?
As the effectiveness of the pill is time-sensitive, it is advisable to take the morning-after pill as soon as possible.
It is most effective when consumed within 72 hours after unprotected sex. If taken within 3 days after unprotected intercourse, the morning-after pill is about 75 to 89% effective. The later you take the emergency contraceptive pill, the less effective it will be.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Morning-after Pill?
While most women have no serious side effects after taking the morning-after pill, it is possible that you may still experience some side effects such as
- headache
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting*
*If you vomit within two hours of consuming the morning-after pill, please consult your doctor to assess whether another pill is needed.
Where Can You Purchase The Morning-after Pill?
In Singapore, morning-after pills can only be purchased by women above the age of 16 with a doctor’s prescription.
Take control when accidents happen. Speak to our doctors and enjoy convenient access to a wide variety of sexual health products at our health store.
