LentiniContraceptive mishaps can happen to anyone: The condom broke, you forgot to take the pill, or maybe you simply forgot to take contraception in the throes of passion … in such cases, women can resort to emergency contraception: the so-called “morning-after pill”. We explain to you what you need to bear in mind when taking it and how you can get the morning-after pill.
When do I need the morning-after pill?
The sooner you take the morning-after pill after unprotected sex, the greater the likelihood that you will not become pregnant. Ideally, the pill should be taken within 72 hours, then the effectiveness is about 85%.
The morning-after pill works by delaying the increase in the hormone that triggers ovulation, i.e. the release of the egg from the fallopian tube.
How does the morning-after pill work?
The likelihood of pregnancy is greatest in the two days before and on the day of ovulation. An egg lives for about 24 hours after it has “jumped”. Sperm, on the other hand, can survive inside you for up to five days after sex. Therefore, fertilization can occur even several days after you have had sex.
The effect of the morning-after pill is to delay ovulation, or the LH peak. The “LH peak” is the highest increase in LH concentration (LH=luteinizing hormone) that leads to ovulation about 24 hours later.
By delaying or preventing the release of the egg, the morning-after pill prevents the sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing fertilization. Delayed ovulation then occurs about five days later. This delay is enough to close the window of time in which the woman (or person with uterus) is fertile, as sperm only have a survival time of 3 to 5 days.
When does the morning-after pill not work?
The morning-after pill does not affect the implantation of a fertilized egg. Therefore, if you have already ovulated, the morning-after pill will not work. The “morning-after pill” therefore does not terminate a pregnancy, but can only work if ovulation has not yet occurred.
How do I get the morning-after pill?
The “morning-after pill” is available without a prescription in pharmacies. Since Germany has ten thousand gynecologists in private practice and ensures a medical on-call service around the clock, women can also contact a gynecologist directly in the event of a contraceptive mishap. Girls and women can then also use the consultation with a gynecologist to learn about contraception, sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases.
Under certain conditions, the cost of the morning-after pill for girls and women is covered by their health insurance. The prerequisite for this is that they have the “morning-after pill” prescribed by a doctor before going to the pharmacy.
The regulations on the reimbursement of the morning-after pill:
- for those with statutory health insurance under the age of 18: free of charge
- for persons with statutory health insurance between 18 and 21 years of age: Cost of the prescription fee over five euros
- for those with statutory health insurance aged 22 and over: Costs above the regular price
- for those with private health insurance, the prescription is subsequently reimbursable depending on the health insurance company: costs above the regular price
What are the side effects of taking the morning-after pill?
Side effects such as nausea, tiredness, vomiting and headaches are rare but not uncommon. After vomiting, you should take another pill within 3 hours. However, it is best to discuss this with your gynecologist or gynecologist.
In addition, menstrual irregularities may occur for a short time.
