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Can I take the morning after during your menstrual cycle

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on
morning after pill if I am menstruating

The morning-after pill, also known as the emergency pill, is a contraceptive method that should only be used when other methods have failed and should never be used regularly. It is composed of a high hormonal dose that delays or inhibits ovulation, which prevents the ovum from being fertilized. It is essential to take it soon so that the sperm has not had time to fertilize it.

But what happens when a woman has her period? Is it necessary to take the pill? If you have this and other questions, in the following FastlyHealarticle, we answer the question, Can I take the morning after pill if I am menstruating?

How the morning after pill works

The operation of the morning after pills is based on the inhibition or delay of ovulation, which makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus and for the oocyte to mature. This should be taken into account since this pill has no effect after being fertilized. If the egg is fertilized and implanted in the uterus, it will not interrupt the pregnancy. It can only be avoided before it is given fertilization.

But how does the morning-after pill work? Here we explain the effects that the hormones contained in this pill (mainly progesterone) have on the woman’s body depending on the moment in which it is taken:

  • If ovulation has not yet occurred when taken, it prevents the ovum from leaving the ovary.
  • If ovulation has already occurred when taken, it will alter the consistency of the cervical mucus, thickening it so that the sperm cannot reach the egg.
  • If when it is taken, there has already been fertilization, bone, ovum, and sperm have joined, it will act on the endometrium, preventing the embryo from implanting.
  • If, when it is taken, there is already pregnant, the pill will not stop it since it is not abortifacient.

All these effects on the woman’s body can bring side effects of different severity depending on the frequency with which it is used. That is why we must be clear that it is an emergency pill that should only be used in extreme situations and that it should not be used more than two times a year. Here we explain the possible side effects of the morning-after pill.

morning after pill works

Side effects of the morning-after pill

From the morning after pill, we can distinguish between two types of side effects, those that occur in the hours after consuming it, which we can call short-term outcomes, and among which we can highlight:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling tired.

On the other hand, there may also be medium-term effects, which may appear a few days after taking it and among which the following stand out:

  • Pain in the breasts
  • Diarrhea
  • Light vaginal bleeding
  • Anticipation of the rule.
  • Rule delay.

These last two must be taken into account, and it is very likely that after taking the pill the day after, the lack of control in menstruation will continue for a month. That is why it is recommended, once you have handled this pill, to write down the days on which your menstruation arrives and its duration so that the gynecologist can make a more precise diagnosis.

When to take the morning-after pill

Throughout the article, the morning after pill is an emergency pill, as we have explained. It should not be used as a regular contraceptive method only in particular situations. Below we present the cases in which the morning-after pill should be taken :

  • Sexual intercourse without using a condom.
  • Sexual relationship in which the condom breaks.
  • When the woman has stopped taking contraceptive pills regularly or has missed a dose.
  • When the IUD is expelled.
  • When the diaphragm shifts.
  • Non-consensual relationships.

Since it is not an abortion pill, this pill should be taken as soon as possible. Medically, this pill can be effective for up to 120 hours after intercourse. However, each day that passes will reduce its effectiveness. It is best to take it within the first 72 hours. If you have vomiting or diarrhea within hours of taking it, you should take another one since it may not work. That is why it comes in a box with two pills in most of its presentations. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain exactly how long I can take the morning-after pill.

Can I take the morning after pill if I am menstruating?

Despite the importance of the subject, many women are unaware of many aspects of sexuality and pregnancy. The question about whether to take the morning-after pill when you have your period is usually caused by a prior ignorance: Can I get pregnant with my period? Although many women believe not, the reality is that it is possible to get pregnant even with your period. The probabilities are indeed lower, sometimes zero, but the possibility of getting pregnant cannot be ruled out 100%, especially in those women who have short menstrual cycles.

So can I take the morning after pill if I’m menstruating? The answer is yes since there is a risk of becoming pregnant, especially if you are in the last days of your period. A different case will be if your period drops after having the relationship. In that case, it is not necessary since it would be impossible for you to be pregnant.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Can I take the morning after pill if I’m menstruating? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.

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