The morning after pill is an essential option for preventing unplanned pregnancies after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Despite its widespread use and availability, many misconceptions still surround it. These myths can lead to unnecessary confusion, hesitation, or even fear about using this safe and effective form of emergency contraception.
At its core, the morning after pill is designed to provide peace of mind and a second chance to prevent pregnancy. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths to set the record straight and ensure you feel confident in making informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Myth 1: The Morning After Pill Is the Same as an Abortion Pill
This is perhaps the most persistent myth, and it’s entirely false. The morning after pill works by delaying ovulation, which means it prevents the release of an egg that could be fertilized. If ovulation has already occurred, it cannot stop a pregnancy from developing.
In contrast, the abortion pill is used to terminate an established pregnancy. The two serve very different purposes, and using the oral emergency contraception will not affect an existing pregnancy.
Myth 2: You Can Only Use It the Morning After
Despite its name, the morning after pill does not have to be taken the morning after unprotected sex. Its effectiveness depends on how soon you take it, but it works best when taken as soon as possible.
There are two main types of pill available in the UK:
Levonorgestrel: Effective for up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex, though its effectiveness decreases over time.
Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne): Effective for up to 120 hours (five days) and maintains a higher efficacy closer to the time of ovulation.
So, don’t panic if you’ve missed the first 24 hours—there’s still time to act.
Myth 3: The Morning After Pill Causes Infertility
One of the biggest fears women have is that using the morning after pill might harm their chances of having children later in life. Fortunately, this is not true.
Emergency contraception is a temporary intervention that does not have any long-term impact on fertility. After taking it, your menstrual cycle may experience slight changes, but these are short-term effects. Your ability to conceive will return to normal in your next cycle.
Myth 4: It’s Unsafe to Use the Morning After Pill More Than Once
While emergency contraception is not intended for regular contraceptive use, there is no evidence to suggest that taking it more than once is unsafe. It remains effective each time it’s used.
However, relying on the morning after pill as your primary method of contraception is not recommended. It’s less effective than ongoing contraceptive methods like the pill, IUDs, or condoms, and repeated use may cause irregular periods. For routine contraception, a long-term solution is more reliable and convenient.
Myth 5: You Need a Prescription to Get the Morning After Pill
In the UK, oral emergency contraception is available over the counter at most pharmacies, meaning you don’t need a prescription. Many clinics and sexual health services also provide it for free. Some pharmacies even offer online consultations, allowing you to order the pill discreetly.
It’s important to note that pharmacists may ask you a few questions about your health and the timing of unprotected sex to ensure the morning after pill is the right option for you.
Myth 6: The Morning After Pill Works Every Time
While highly effective, the morning after pill is not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Its effectiveness depends on factors like how quickly it’s taken, where you are in your cycle, and your body weight.
For example, Levonorgestrel may be less effective in individuals with a BMI over 26, while Ulipristal Acetate is recommended for higher weight ranges. If oral emergency contraception isn’t suitable for you, a copper IUD is an alternative emergency contraception option with nearly 100% effectiveness.
Myth 7: The Morning After Pill Is Hard to Access
Accessing the morning after pill in the UK is straightforward and convenient. Pharmacies, GP surgeries, and sexual health clinics offer it, often without an appointment. Many organisations provide it free of charge, especially for younger people.
Additionally, some pharmacies offer private consultations to ensure a discreet and supportive experience.
Empowering Decisions With Accurate Information
The morning after pill is a safe, effective, and accessible way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. By debunking these myths, we hope to reduce unnecessary stigma and confusion surrounding its use.
If you need the morning after pill, don’t hesitate to visit your local pharmacy or clinic. Understanding the facts ensures you can take control of your reproductive health with confidence.
This blog was written on behalf of Southdowns Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
