When Can You Take the Morning-After Pill?

The morning-after pill can help to prevent pregnancy if your regular birth control method failed or if you didn’t use birth control during a sexual encounter. Contrary to popular belief, the morning-after pill is not the same thing as an abortion. The pill will not terminate a pregnancy that has already occurred but will instead ensure that an egg cannot implant itself on the lining of your uterus. Some forms of the morning-after pill also delay ovulation.

Ideally, the morning-after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Over-the-counter forms of the morning-after pill can generally be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, while a prescription form of the pill can be used for up to five days after sex. In each case, the sooner you take the pill, the more likely it is to be effective.

If you have had unprotected intercourse, don’t panic. Make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, DC at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Your gynecologist can help with pregnancy prevention and STD testing you may need after having unprotected sex. You can make an appointment by calling (202) 659-9403.