ADVICE PLEASE ON MORNING AFTER PILL

[CACOONED]

My DH and I had an "accident" last night; We have 3 DS and had not planned on having any more. Straight after my DH said anxiously that it would be best if I get the morning after pill. I am not sure how I feel about this. First I guess I would be grateful for any info on it. IE How long after the event is it effective for? Is it less effective taken tomorrow say than today? Also does it work every time? And if it doesnt work does it affect the baby in any way. Hope someone can give me some advice please. Many thanks

it's effective for up to 72 hours, and is more effective the sooner you take it. I don't think anyone's found any danger to the baby if it doesn't work. also you can get a coil fitted for up to 5 days afterwards as emergency contraception.

The longer you leave it the less effective it is.

AFAIK there is no recorded evidence of it causing damage to a baby if it doesn't work. My dd1 is very acadmeically able, sociable & healthy inspite of taking the MAP & it failing!

No it doesn't work every time.

You can take it up to 72hrs after but I think the sooner the better really, although not absolutely sure on that one.

If you have a Boots near you the pharmacists are very helpful and can prescribe over the counter for you straightaway. They will answer all your questions, so go in and you don't have to take it if you don't want after hearing their advice.

Thank you, do have a pharmacy nearby, just read on up internet, costs £26 but worth it if want to go down that route. Just not sure. And Ah! I see its not 100 per cent Cargirl!

Hi there, I hope I can help.

The MAP is licensed for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It is taken as a one-off dose, ideally as soon as possible after sex. The most commonly prescribed brand is called levonelle if you want to google it.

As for effectiveness, the key is to take it ASAP. Of course it is not perfect, and there is a failure rate. The figures I quote when prescribing for success (i.e. preventing a pregnancy) are 97% when taken within 24 hrs, reducing to 67% up to 72 hrs.

An emergency coil can be used to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after sex. This can be arranged at a FPC.

As with every contraceptive method, there is no guarantee that it will work. The sooner it is taken, the better. If it were to fail, then the hormones will not harm the developing foetus.

To get hold of the MAP today, you can buy it over the counter at some pharmacies (costs about 20 quid), some A&E departments, out of hours GP. NHS direct should be able to help you with availability for your area.

Thank you Emma, but I take it the MAP is more effective than having a coil fitted, or is it worth having both?

just take the map you should take it within 72 hours, doesn't always work though. Are you in your fertile preiod ?

Both seems a bit excessive unless you were really cutting it fine on time limits.

The coil is actually more effective than MAP if you are looking at 3-5 days after sex. The MAP is just as effective as the coil 1-2 days after sex. It is much easier to take the MAP in a hurry than arrange a coil fitting.

Luckily no, period is about 3-4 days away. Will get the MAP today, guess I just feel a it weird about it!