There has been much controversy about the
. But what really is this contraceptive method? As much as there are moral issues pertaining to it, this article objectively expounds on it. The morning after pill in this sense is viewed as merely a drug. And it is one which is approved by the FDA. A morning after pill cannot be bought over the counter. It goes to say that it is a prescription drug. It can only be availed of upon a doctor’s prescription. Women who take the morning after pill usually do so for several reasons. It is to prevent pregnancy in case of an unwanted sexual encounter, such as rape.
A morning after pill is also resorted to during unprotected sex. Or when a contraceptive device fails for that matter. The morning after pill is not an abortion pill like the RU486. It should be emphasized that the pill is taken to prevent pregnancy, not eliminate it. Also referred to as “plan B”, the
is a combination of hormones. Such hormones are estrogen and progestin. Otherwise, a morning after pill can merely be just made of progestin alone. The pill prevents pregnancy by disrupting the union of the sperm and the egg cell. Owing to this, conception does not take place.
Contrary to what many believe, the morning after pill does not result to spontaneous abortion. A morning after pill contraception consist of two steps. The first morning after pill is to be taken within 72 hours of the intercourse. It should be then followed by a second pill within 12 hours after the first pill. Side effects have been reported to go with the pill. They are nausea and vomiting, fatigue, breast tenderness, menstrual changes, dizziness and headaches. A woman who is unknowingly pregnant and then takes the pill will not have an abortion. Neither will the pill harm the fetus.
There are precautions though when it comes to the morning after pill. It is not to be taken when a woman is pregnant (in the same manner as most drugs are). A woman should also not take the pill when she experiences unexplained vaginal bleeding. The same can be said for those with allergies to any of the pill’s ingredients. As with any other medications, a woman has to carefully read the instructions prior to taking the pill. If a woman is interested in taking the morning after pill, it is best that she discusses it with her doctor. Such an instance may happen when a woman has had unprotected or unwanted sex.
Or when her contraceptive device has failed. This ought to be done immediately after the sexual encounter as time is limited. It is only within a specific duration that the morning after pill is effective. During the consultation, a woman can also ask about the effectiveness of the pill. The same goes for the pill’s side effects and risks. Through books or the internet, one can gain more knowledge about the
. A medical professional is also best consulted regarding this matter.
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