Misconceptions about the morning after pill

Condom that cracks, unprotected or forced sex, missed pill … You can use hormonal emergency contraception (or "morning after pill") to avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy. However, many misconceptions are circulating about this emergency contraceptive. We unravel the true from the false.

It must be taken quickly: TRUE but ….

It is recommended to take it as soon as possible. The name "morning after pill" has confused people, which is why we prefer to talk about emergency contraception for a few years.

There are two emergency pills to block or delay ovulation. The first is Norlevo®, a levonorgestrel-based tablet (editor's note: a synthetic progestin hormone having a contraceptive effect by blocking ovulation). It should ideally be taken within 12 hours of unprotected intercourse and at most within 3 days. The other pill, Ellaone®, contains ulipristal acetate, a synthetic molecule that makes it possible to block ovulation later, up to 5 days after intercourse.

Even if it can be taken up to 3 days or 5 days after the risk report, you should not wait until the next day and take it as soon as possible. It can never be said enough but it is advisable to adopt the "emergency contraception reflex" after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse and when pregnancy is not desired.

"If taking emergency contraception when you miss a contraceptive pill, it is recommended to take levornogestrel rather than ulipristal because there is a risk of drug interaction and reduced effectiveness of the contraceptive pill»Specifies Danielle Hassoun, obstetrician-gynecologist.

Oral emergency contraception aborts: FALSE

This is surely the most widespread received idea. The only function of the morning after pill is to block or delay ovulation after unprotected or poorly protected intercourse, to prevent fertilization. No more no less. The morning after pill is not an abortion pill. "Emergency contraception works by desynchronizing and modifying the conditions and timing of ovulation, thus preventing in most cases the meeting between the ovum and the sperm" says Danielle Hassoun. Reason why it is important to take into account your ovulation period. If there has ever been fertilization, its action will be ineffective.

If in doubt, take it anyway, watch your period and take a pregnancy test at least 15 days after taking emergency contraception.

Oral emergency contraception makes sterile: FALSE

False and false! The morning after pill does not affect the fertility, and you can take it as many times as necessary in your life without it having any repercussions on health. "It acts only at the time of taking and does not affect either the organs or hormonal functioning in the long term" notes obstetrician-gynecologist Danielle Hassoun. If it must remain emergency contraception as its name suggests, it is because of its high concentration of hormones (and therefore potential adverse effects). On its official website, the WHO specifies that "Frequent use of emergency contraception can lead to increased side effects, such as irregular periods, even if this repeated use does not pose a known health risk."

Emergency contraception is free for minors: TRUE

Hormonal emergency contraception can be delivered to minors free of charge, anonymously and without medical prescription in pharmacies, family planning and education centers (CPEF) and to nurses in schools and universities. Also note that "Parental consent is not required for prescribing the delivery or administration of contraceptives to minors" as Dr. Hassoun recalls.

If you are of full age, the pill will be paid. But prescribed by prescription, it is reimbursed at 65% by the Social Security. You can request a prescription in advance to have it handy when needed.

Emergency contraception protects against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): FALSE

False, it in no way protects from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). To stay protected from STIs, only the use of condoms during sexual intercourse is effective.

If you haven't had a test with your partner and had unprotected sex, or if the condom broke, consider getting tested. You can consult your doctor, gynecologist or midwife or go to a CeGIDD (Free Information Center, Screening and Diagnosis) or a CPEF (Center for Family Planning and Education). You will find more information on the website info-ist.fr managed by Santé Publique France.

The morning after pill is the only emergency contraception: FALSE

Less known, the IUD (intrauterine device or "IUD") is however the most effective emergency contraception, with less than 1% of pregnancy. "It can be done within 5 days of unprotected intercourse or within 5 days of the expected date of ovulation. It works by inhibiting fertilization thanks to the toxic action of copper on sperm " explains the gynecologist.

It is also a real long-term contraception. Only downside: it requires more organization and it is not always easy to get an appointment with your gynecologist in an emergency.

Emergency contraception causes side effects: TRUE and FALSE

The morning after pill can cause side effects: headache, nausea or vomiting (which can make it ineffective if they occur within 3 hours after taking) and bleeding. For obstetrician-gynecologist Danielle Hassoun, this affects around 10% of women. In some women, these side effects will be nonexistent. "There are no serious side effects described with these products" she reassures.

The menstrual cycle may be slightly disrupted. "Menstruation usually arrives a few days early with levonorgestrel (Norlevo®) and a few days late with ulipristal (Ellaone®),
A pregnancy test is necessary if, after taking this pill, your period is delayed by more than 7 days ”.

Oral emergency contraception is 100% effective: FALSE

False. Oral emergency contraception can block or delay ovulation, yes but … If it has already taken place, the morning after pill will no longer be able to do its job. So to improve your chances of preventing any pregnancy, the best is still to take this pill as soon as possible after the risk report. "Ellaone prevents 67% of pregnancies with a pregnancy rate of 1% Norlevo prevents 52% of pregnancies with a pregnancy rate of 3%" says the professional.

However, it should in no case replace regular contraception (contraceptive pill, patch or implant, condom, etc.) and must remain occasional.

To know : It is essential not to interrupt your usual contraception and to use condoms every time you have sex until the following rules.

For further

Morning after pill: 10 things to know


Video by Shawna Montout