No one is immune from a breakdown in contraception: the “pill” was forgotten, the condom broke, the diaphragm slipped. Or love and desire were so overwhelming that no contraception was used at all. In such exceptional situations, the “morning-after pill” can prevent pregnancy. The “morning-after pill” is a way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy when normal contraception has failed or has not taken place at all.
Taking the morning-after pill early is important
It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex – the earlier, the more likely it is to work: If taken in the first 24 hours, 95 percent of pregnancies are prevented, and after 24 to 48 hours, 85 percent are still prevented . After that, the effect drops to 58 percent, and 72 hours after sexual intercourse the “morning-after pill” no longer works at all.
Up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse, the “morning-after coil” is available as an alternative option – ask your gynecologist for advice!
In contrast to the abortion pill, the “morning-after pill” does not cause an abortion; it does not damage an already implanted egg. Instead, it prevents pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation and possibly also the implantation of the already fertilized egg. The “morning-after pill” does not affect future fertility; its effect does not last! If you have sexual intercourse again after taking the pill, you must use completely normal contraception again.
Morning-after pill only on prescription – that was once upon a time
Since the beginning of 2015, the “morning-after pill” has been available without a prescription. Until then, the prescription for the “morning-after pill” had to be issued by a doctor (not necessarily a gynecologist – a gynecological examination is not required). This could be a general practitioner or a doctor working at a Pro-familia counseling center. On weekends and holidays, the emergency medical service or a doctor in an emergency outpatient clinic in the hospital could issue the prescription. The cost of the drug is 16 to 18 euros and must be paid by the woman herself.
Exception are legally insured up to the completed 20th year – with them the health insurance company takes over the costs.
Post-contraception and side effects
The “morning-after pill” is a preparation with one or two tablets (taken at the same time) containing the sex hormone levonorgestrel (a progestogen). Since the dosage is very low and the application is one-time, side effects are rather mild and usually do not last longer than two to three days after taking the pill.
Side effects include tightness in the breasts, spotting or bleeding between periods, as well as mild abdominal pain and nausea, headache, and fatigue and dizziness. Rarely, vomiting or temporary depressive moods occur.
If you have to vomit within the first two to three hours after taking the pill, it must be assumed that the “morning-after pill” has been expelled with the stomach contents and no longer has any effect. In this particular case, it is recommended to repeat the intake immediately.
- After taking the drug, severe liver disease may worsen – if you suffer from such, you must indicate this when prescribing.
- Take medication, inform the doctor – some agents such as antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of the “morning after pill”.
- If you have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, you should have a check-up with your gynecologist after taking the preparation.
