THE MORNING AFTER PILL: MERITS AND SIDE EFFECTS.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS.

Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, it is up to 99.9% effective. However, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). The latex male condom provides the best protection from most STDs. Other types of combined estrogen and progestin hormonal contraception include the patch and the vaginal ring.

The morning after pill prevents pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex. It can be effective if the condom breaks during intercourse too.
Despite the name, you don't need to take it the morning after sex- just as soon as possible- the quicker you take it- the greater the chances of it working.
Doctors and nurses call it PCP- post coital pill which is a form of emergency contraception.

Some people believe that EC is a form of abortion, however this is not true.

It ensures that the lining of the womb is not receptive to an egg. It should not be confused with the 'abortion tablet' or Mifegyne tablet.

There are other types of emergency contraception which include the post coital coil- which is an IUD that can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex.

It can be tricky to find a doctor that will be able to put one in within a small time frame so chances are you will have to have PCP.

You should be able to obtain emergency contraception from:
- A doctor at family planning clinic
- A Pharmacy.
- An NHS walk in centre
- Your university or college health clinic
- GUM clinic
-Chemist shops.

There are currently two types of PCP- Levonelle and EllaOne- you must discuss which on is best suited to you with your doctor.

Is it effective?
No morning after pill is 100% effective; these medications are about 89% effective according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Who is it for?
- Rape victims

- Couples who have a condom break during sex

- Women who have had sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol

- Couples who get carried way.

- Youths that are dating to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

What to expect?
- Your next period might be early or late, if it's a couple of days late- see your doctor.

- It does not protect you from pregnancy right through your cycle so use another method such as a condom or abstinence.

- It does not protect you against ectopic pregnancies- if you feel lower tummy pain or abdominal bleeding then see your doctor.