Hallie asked
Hi, I'm in the 2nd week of my combined birth control Pill I missed some pills. I took a pill on Friday morning , and then went away and forgot to take my pill packet. I took the morning after pill on Saturday as a substitute to prevent ovulation. I had unprotected sex on Sunday and took the morning after Pill again that evening. Is it likely that I could have ovulated after missing my pill or would the morning after pills have stopped this? Thank you
Answer
Emergency contraception methods, such as the morning-after pill (e.g. Plan B), have been found to be most successful when used within 72 hours of having unprotected sex at any point within the menstrual cycle. However, certain studies suggest that Plan B is most effective when taken before ovulation.
Morning After Pill (Plan B) And Ovulation
The morning after pill (Plan B), contains a high dose of the progestin levonorgestrel. Most experts agree that the main function of the morning after pill is to prevent ovulation (i.e. releasing of an unfertilized egg). Therefore, it would stand to reason that it is most effective when taken pre-ovulation.
However, there may be some post-ovulation mechanisms at play as well when it comes to preventing pregnancy (such as altering the lining of the uterus).
Taking The Morning After Pill The Second Week Of Your Birth Control Pills
In terms of taking the morning after pill during the 2nd week of your birth control pills, this is likely the most effective time to take Plan B, as most women ovulate around 14 days into their menstrual cycle, although individuals can certainly vary.
As you have taken two morning after pills during the second week of your birth control pills, the chances of ovulation being suppressed are high.
In addition, data indicates that the morning-after pill has a higher rate of preventing an unwanted pregnancy if taken within the first 24 hours. Although the morning after pill has been found to be successful if taken up to 5 days after having unprotected sex, the efficacy of this medication goes down with more delay.
Comparing immediate to delayed efficacy, the medication has been successful in preventing up to 95% of unwanted pregnancies if taken right away compared to 50% with delayed administration. For highest efficacy, take within the first 72 hours.
Since you took the medication on the same evening of having unprotected sex, it is very likely that the pill suppressed ovulation.
It is important to note that although the morning after pill is most effective when ovulation is prevented, it is recommended to take emergency contraception at any point during your cycle due to the uncertainty of ovulation in any one cycle.
Summary
- The morning after pill (Plan B) works by suppressing ovulation, but may involve additional mechanisms.
- The morning after pill (Plan B) is most effective when taken before ovulation (around day 14 of your cycle).
- However, Plan B is recommended to take at any point in the menstrual cycle to help prevent unplanned pregnancies.
