What is the morning-after pill?

Daniel R. Spogen, MD

Family Medicine

The morning after pill is a birth control method for use when a woman has had intercourse in the last five days without protection or if protection has failed. This is the only birth control that is used after the fact. A prescription is not needed for this pill. This "emergency birth control" is also used by victims of sexual assault.

Anna Tarleton Potter on behalf of Good In Bed

Administration

There really is no such thing. The “morning-after pill” is a way to refer to emergency contraception, but both pill formulations available aren’t only taken the morning after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. One works within 72 hours; the other works within five days. However, if you already are pregnant, or if a fertilized egg has formed, it will not work.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Birth Control

Do you want to prevent pregnancy? Do you want to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Those are the primary factors in deciding which type of birth control method you use. You have many options of birth control including condoms, birth control pills, the patch, the vaginal ring, the IUD, hormone shots and implants, as well as sterilization. Make your decision based on factsincluding the failure rates for each type. And make sure you use the birth control method correctly each timeto avoid unplanned pregnancy.

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