Missed Morning after Pill? What To Do Next

One of the question that almost every woman starts asking after having unprotected sex and resulting to morning after pills also known as emergency contraception, is how often the pills need to be taken to be effective in preventing pregnancy?

As a rule of thumb, the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex the better. The effectiveness depends on how consistent you're in taking the pills. Risk of getting pregnant is high when you start a new pill pack 3 or more days late, or you missed 3 or more pills near the beginning or end of a pill pack.

It's recommended that you take one pill daily and start each new pack of pills on time. In some cases, with the daily hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to forget taking a pill or even take it late. In such these circumstance, if you're a frequent user of these emergency contraception, then you're familiar with the instructions provided with the pack.

Otherwise, it's important you take any missed pill as soon as possible else you risk getting pregnant or make some side effects such as vomiting worse. Tips on how to make up for the missed pills:

If you missed 1 or 2 pills: Take a hormonal (estrogen) pill as soon. In this case you've little or no risk of pregnancy. This response should also be followed if you started a new pack 1 or 2 days late.

If you missed 3 or more pills in the first or second week: Take a hormonal pill as soon as possible and consider a backup method for the next 7 days. Also, if you've had intercourse for the past 5 days, you should consider emergency contraceptives. This response should also be followed if you started a new pack 3 or more days late.

If you missed 3 or more pills in the third week: Take a hormonal pill as soon as possible. You should also finish all hormonal pills in the pack and throw away the 7 non-hormonal pills in a 28-pill pack. Start a new pack the next day and use a backup method for the next 7 days.

If you've severe diarrhea or vomiting: If you vomit within 2 hours after taking a pill, take another pill from your pack and continue taking pills as usual. But if you are vomiting or diarrhea for more than 2 days, follow instructions for 1 or 2 missed pills above.

Remember, the key idea to make up for the missed pills is to take a hormonal pill the soonest and keep taking pills as usual, daily. You may take 2 pills at the same time or on the same day.

(For pills with 20µg estrogen or less, women missing one pill should follow the same guidance as for missing one or two 30µg pills as instructed above. Women missing 2 or more pills should follow the same guidance as for missing 3 or more 30µg pills.)

Jackqueline Gete

About the Guest Author:

Jackqueline is a nurse at a local community based clinic in Kiambu county, Kenya.

How to Verify Your Land Title Deed is Genuine

Cases of forged title deeds are on the increase. Therefore, people are losing money to con men as they are taken advantage of due to their ignorance regarding land transaction matters. While thinking of owning land, it is vital to be aware of how you can verify a title deed before investing your hard earned cash. As you plan to commit your money to buy and construct your dream home, verify that, the seller is the genuine owner, the land exists and is free from restrictions. Also be sure that you are not buying land on a road or railway reserve and above all, that the title deed is genuine.

Acne Treatment for Women at Age 30

Acne Treatment reviews In her 30s, a woman's skin begins to lose its earlier elasticity and looks less bright because your cell turnover is slower. Rather than rushing out and buy an expensive skin care product, you should do three things. What you need is a good exfoliate that will help your skin shed faster to bring out that fresher, younger looking skin. Retinoid is the other thing you need. Retinoids are great when you have acne and fine lines as most women find themselves fighting against both. Its recommended you use retinoid eye cream in the eye to reduce the visibility of lines. If applied well all over the face, retinoid tones your skin. Retinoid based face creams are the 30-something woman's best friend. Retin A is the most popular over the counter retinoid and also the most mild. For a stronger retinoid it has to be a prescription. The other is a good antioxidant. AHAs, glycolic and lactic acid should be key ingredients as they are gentle ways of helping your

How to Maintain High Internet Speed in your Modem

Probably you have seen these 'small gadgets' that most homes use to connect to Internet? These 'small gadgets' are called modems. They are popular compared to the close alternative 'Wi-Fi' because they are affordable and easiest means to get Internet connectivity through three operators: Safaricom, Airtel and Orange. Despite the easier access, there is still widespread lack of understanding on how to choose one from the other to give you real value for your money. You may think pricing is the main focus when purchasing a modem, it is all about speed and reliability, without which the gadget can be a source of everyday frustration! Why is Your Internet Modem Slow? So you're about to pull your hair, with the annoyance of everyday painfully slow Internet connectivity? the choice of which modem to purchase can be confusing especially with every provider out there claiming to offer the best. In my own view, the main difference between t

Ciri's Life Coach

Search This Blog