How does the morning after pill work? We debunk the myths

Video by Mamamia Women's Network

Image via MTV.

I’m going to put my hand up and say I’ve had the “morning after pill”. The experience of walking into the pharmacy, having to fill out a form, and then feeling an incredible sense of shame and guilt afterwards — it still haunts me.

There are many misconceptions about the “morning after pill”. For one, that name is incorrect — it’s actually called emergency contraception.

According to Christina Inness, a family planning nurse from Family Planning Victoria, there are a few reasons for the existence of these myths.

“I think some of it is that people are afraid of the side effects of it, and that they think it will effect their fertility, and that it is an abortion pill. There are also taboos around taking it, as people think having the option of having emergency contraception can encourage unprotected sex. Evidence shows that this is completely incorrect.”

The emergency contraceptive pill (Image via iStock)

So — that's one myth busted. Here are some other common questions and misunderstandings surrounding emergency contraception. To say this information has made me angry that I've felt so much shame from my experience for so long is an understatement.

1. What is it exactly?

"Emergency contraceptive pills delay and prevent ovulation. The pill has become much more simple in recent years, a lot easier to take, in terms of side effects. It is now manufactured as one hormone (in Australia), which is Progestin, a synthetic hormone which your body naturally has," Christina explains.

2. Is it an abortion pill?

This is important: emergency contraception is not an abortion pill. "Because there is a pill you can take that induces a miscarriage, emergency contraception has somehow become confused with being an abortion pill. People don't realise how it works - it is a common misconception," Christina says.

3. Do you have to answer those questions at the chemist?

If you have a script, then no you don't. If you'd prefer to talk to your doctor privately about emergency contraception, rather than to a pharmacist in the chemist, then you can. If you don't live in close proximity to a chemist, then you can get an advance supply of emergency contraception and keep it at home in case you need it. You can also access emergency contraception at some health centres.

4. When do you need to take it?

In order to ensure the emergency contraceptive pill's effectiveness, you need to take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex — but less than 24 hours is best.

5. What are your options for emergency contraception?

The pill version, which is more common and well-known, is 85 per cent effective. However, you might not realise there's a second, more effective, option: having the copper intrauterine device (IUD) inserted after having unprotected sex. This method is 99 per cent effective. Copper IUDs work 120 hours after having unprotected sex and are the most effective form of emergency contraception.

IUDs are inserted into the uterus – a procedure which some women may find uncomfortable. IUDs can last up to ten years and are immediately reversible after being removed. The copper IUD works by blocking sperm from reaching the egg.

You can read more about the IUD here.

Here are some different options to consider [post continues after gallery]

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pillThe Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

Intrauterine deviceIUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

CondomsThe male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condomThe female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

DiaphragmLike the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Birth control implantThis is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ringVaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo ProveraDepo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pillEmergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

SterilisationSterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

6. How often are you allowed to take emergency contraception?

There's a common misconception that you can't take emergency contraception multiple times. Christina informs me that this is completely untrue, and it is safe to take the pill multiple times in one cycle of your period.

7. Does it affect fertility?

According to Christina, there are no known long-term health issues or effects on fertility from taking emergency contraception.

8. What are the side effects of taking it?

The common side effects from taking emergency contraception "are mainly hormonal side effects, like having a late period," Christina explains.

"People who take emergency contraception may find that they get headaches as well. Feeling nauseous after taking emergency contraception happens to less than one per cent of people."

9. How much does it cost?

The emergency contraception available at pharmacies costs $20 - $30, and copper IUDs cost around $150.

Do you think there's enough education about contraception?

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9 things every woman needs to know about the 'morning after pill'.