How Effective Is The Morning After Pill?

In this article, we’ll explore how effective the morning after pill is at preventing pregnancy. We’ll look at what the morning after pill is used for, how it works and when you should take it to maximise its effectiveness. We’ll also explain how different types of morning after pills compare, whether it’s still possible to get pregnant after taking one, and what alternative forms of emergency contraception are available.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about the effectiveness of the morning after pill:

• The sooner you take the morning after pill after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be. It can be taken up to 3 days (Levonelle) or 5 days (ellaOne), but earlier use increases its effectiveness.

•  The effectiveness of the morning after pill depends on the type of pill (Levonelle or ellaOne) and how soon it is taken.

• The IUD can also serve as emergency contraception and is highly effective when fitted within 5 days after unprotected sex.

• The morning after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• The morning after pill does not cause an abortion. It works by preventing fertilisation or delaying ovulation before a pregnancy is established.

What is the morning after pill used for?

The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pills. It works by delaying ovulation temporarily so no egg is released for sperm to fertilise. It’s not meant to replace regular contraception, but to offer a backup option to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

How well does the emergency contraceptive pill work?

The effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive pill will vary depending on how quickly it is taken after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be, as a general rule. Research suggests that approximately 1 to 2 women out of every 100 who use the emergency contraceptive pill may still become pregnant [1]. However, this could be based on factors such as the type of pill taken, how close you are to ovulation and whether any doses of your regular contraception were missed.

When should you take the morning after pill to increase the chances of it being effective?

To maximise the effectiveness of the morning after pill, it’s important to take it as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex. It typically needs to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) or 5 days (120 hours), depending on the type of pill that you are taking [1]. Despite this, the sooner you take it, the higher the chances it will prevent pregnancy.

Levonelle & ellaOne Effectiveness

Levonelle and ellaOne are two types of morning after pills that are available in the UK [2]. Both are forms of emergency contraception; however, they differ slightly in how they work and when they need to be taken.

How effective is Levonelle?

Levonelle (levonorgestrel) is most effective when it is taken as soon as possible; however, you can take it up to three days after unprotected sex. The effectiveness of the medication does decrease over time. As shown below, the medication is:

• 95% effective when taken within 24 hours

• 85% effective when taken between 1-2 days

• 58% effective when taken between 2-3 days

Other factors can also change the effectiveness of the medication. If you are using HIV treatments that affect liver enzymes, you may need to take a double dose. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before doing this.

How effective is ellaOne?

ellaOne is a highly effective form of emergency contraception and can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. It is thought to be 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Research suggests that ellaOne is more effective than Levonelle.

ellaOne is not suitable for people with HIV due to the potential interactions with HIV medications. If you have concerns about using this medication, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Can I still get pregnant after taking the morning after pill?

Yes, it is still possible to get pregnant after taking the morning after pill, although the risk is low. Studies show that about 1 to 3% of individuals who take an emergency contraceptive pill may still become pregnant [3]. The likelihood of pregnancy depends on factors such as how soon the pill is taken after unprotected sex, where you are in your menstrual cycle, and whether you are already ovulating.

It is also important to note that the morning after pill will not affect your long-term fertility. The effects of the morning after pill are temporary and will wear off once the medication has left your system.

What alternative forms of emergency contraception can be effective at preventing pregnancy?

Another popular form of emergency contraception is the IUD (intrauterine device). This is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device inserted into your womb by a trained doctor or nurse. The IUD can prevent pregnancy by either stopping an egg from being fertilised or preventing it from implanting in the womb. It is highly effective and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex [3].

The IUD is also a long-term contraceptive option; however, it can be used as emergency contraception in situations where other methods like the morning after pill might not be appropriate.

FAQs about the effectiveness of the Morning After Pill

Here are a number of frequently asked questions people have about the effectiveness of the morning after pill.

Can the morning after pill protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No, the morning after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is only designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. To protect yourself and your partner from STIs, it’s important to use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of contraception that also helps reduce the risk of STIs.

Does the morning after pill cause an abortion?

No, the morning after pill does not cause an abortion. It is a form of emergency contraception that works by preventing pregnancy before it occurs. It does not affect someone who is already pregnant. The pill works by stopping ovulation to prevent fertilisation, so it works before a pregnancy is established.

Final Thoughts

The morning after pill is a safe and effective emergency contraceptive that can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be. If you’re considering using the morning after pill, it’s important to act quickly and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. The IUD is an alternative emergency contraception that can be used in certain situations, and can also offer long-term protection as a contraceptive.

Sources

[1] Emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill) - NHS

[2] Emergency contraception | Terrence Higgins Trust

[3] Emergency contraception - NHS Inform