Next Day Pill: Clear all doubts about method

Contraceptive methods are simple techniques used by those who want to have sex without risking getting pregnant. Major contraceptive methods include the pill, condom use, the diaphragm, and the IUD.

However, despite these and other options, there are cases where the woman ends up resorting to the so-called "morning after pill". And that is where many doubts often arise, such as: Is this method really effective? When should it be used? Can it offer health problems? How it works?

First of all, it is essential to remember that the morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive method, ie one should only resort to it in real emergency situations. Ideally, prevent yourself before and / or during sexual intercourse to avoid pregnancy at an unwanted time in life.


Nevertheless, it is a fact that using the morning-after pill is more common than it should be. Alfonso Massaguer, obstetrician and gynecologist and Clinical Director of the Clínica Mãe, and Paula Fettback, obstetrician and gynecologist of the Clínica Mãe, comment that, in Brazil, it is estimated that approximately 20 to 30% of women use the morning-after pill in a similar way. regular.

"This data is quite worrying, since the morning-after pill is not a method of contraception, but for emergency cases," said professionals.

In this context, below you give the answers to the main questions about using the morning after pill.


1. What is the morning after pill?

They are hormones contained in routine birth control pills, but in much larger doses. Thus, just like the conventional pill, the morning after pill acts by preventing the egg from being released and delaying fertilization ?, explain Massaguer and Paula.

"If ovulation has already occurred, it acts by flaking the endometrium, ie causing bleeding and causing the embryo not to implant," professionals add.

2. How many hours after the relationship can the woman take the morning after pill?

Ideally, women should take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, doctors advise. Being the term of effectiveness up to 72 hours of the relationship. After this period the effectiveness is greatly reduced?


Efficacy is greater than 95% within the first 12 hours 85% after the first 24 hours; and less than 55% after 48 hours ?, add Massaguer and Paula.

Usually, the morning-after pill is taken in two doses, given every 12 hours. That is, the first dose (or first tablet) should be used no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. And the second dose (the second tablet) 12 hours after administration of the first dose.

There is also single dose administration. It should be used no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex.

3. In what situations is this emergency method indicated?

"In cases where the condom breaks during ejaculation, forgetfulness of the conventional pill more than 2 days and in cases of rape," advise gynecologists.

It may also be an option in cases of expulsion of the IUD and delay in the monthly injectable date.

Thus, it is clear that the morning-after pill should not be used planned or replace a routine contraceptive method.

4. What are the chances of this method failing?

"If the morning-after pill is used within the first 12 hours, chances are less than 5%," Massaguer and Paula explain.

5. After taking the pill, does menstruation go down?

Yes. "As the hormone level rises sharply, the layer of the uterus called the endometrium flakes, leading to menstruation within 72 hours of use," the gynecologists point out.

6. Is there a maximum number of times the morning after pill can be used?

Massaguer and Paula point out that the morning-after pill should only be used in emergency situations, as little as possible.

7. What are the effects of frequent use of this method?

Gynecologists highlight the main problems arising from overuse of the morning after pill:

  • Menstrual irregularities;
  • Method failures, ie pregnancy;
  • Thromboembolic events due to excess of contained hormones, among others.

8. Is the morning after pill abortive?

Do not."After implantation of the embryo, it cannot be used as an abortive method", inform gynecologists.

9. Can a woman take the morning-after pill if she is breastfeeding?

No. Because the morning-after pill contains a very high amount of the hormone called estradiol. that should not be used during breastfeeding ?, highlight Paula and Massaguer.

10. What if the person vomits after taking the morning-after pill?

"Ideally, she should repeat the dose, especially if vomiting occurs in the first hours of use," doctors advise.

11. Does antibiotic cut the action of the morning after pill?

No. But since most antibiotics have liver metabolism, that is, in the liver, can concomitant use of these two medications overload women's metabolism and cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting or even an acute liver disorder? , warn gynecologists.

12. Is there a contraindication to using the morning after pill?

"Women at high risk of thromboembolism, liver disease or kidney failure should avoid use," said Paula and Massaguer.

13. Does the morning after pill protect against AIDS and STDs?

No. It does not protect against any sexually transmitted disease, gynecologists point out.

So remember, the best way to prevent them is to use the condom correctly in every sexual relationship.

14. Is a prescription required to buy the morning after pill?

This is a common doubt. But this type of medicine does not require a prescription. It can be purchased without a prescription from virtually every pharmacy.

But, it is noteworthy: this is not why it should be bought / overused.

15. How much does the morning after pill cost?

The morning-after pill costs around 10 to 20 reais. Below you give some examples:

  • Diad for R $ 8,81
  • Pilem for R $ 10,76
  • Poslov for R $ 21.27
  • Postinor for R $ 27,10
  • Prevyol for R $ 11,92
  • Previdity for R $ 14.66
  • Pozato for R $ 10,67

Remember: Although the purchase does not require a prescription, the morning after pill should only be used in emergency situations and of course eventually. It is not worth forgetting to always use condoms and then resort to this kind of pill, thinking that there is no risk in that.

Also, it is noteworthy: frequent use of this method may decrease its effectiveness, and may cause other negative health effects.

Another superimportant recommendation is to always use condoms, because besides avoiding an unwanted pregnancy, this is the best way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.

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