What's the pill after?
The pill after that is an emergency contraceptive which can be taken after unprotected intercourse or during failure of regular contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is not a regular contraception method, but an emergency solution for exceptional situations.
In Germany, the pill is then available in pharmacies without prescription since 2015. It can be purchased directly in the pharmacy without a prescription. The pharmacist or the pharmacist conducts a brief consultation to ensure that taking is sensible and safe.
There are two different active ingredients: Levonorgestrel (e.g. PiDaNa) and Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne). Both delay or prevent ovulation, but differ in their time window and their properties.
How does the pill work after that?
The pill then acts by delaying or preventing the ovulation. Sperms can survive up to five days after sexual intercourse in the womb and the eggheads. If no ovulation takes place during this period, no fertilization can take place.
Levonorgestrel: This gestagen inhibits ovulation when it is taken before the rise of the luteinizing hormone (LH). It is most effective within the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse and can be taken up up to 72 hours (3 days). The effectiveness decreases with every hour spread.
Ulipristal acetate: This selective progesterone receptor modulator can still delay the ovulation even if the LH approach has already begun. The time window is up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse, and the effectiveness remains relatively constant over this period.
Important to understand: The pill does not work when the ovulation has already taken place. It does not prevent any pre-existing pregnancy and is therefore not an abortion pill.
When and how should the pill be taken after that?
Date: The earlier the intake takes place, the more effective the pill is after that. Ideally, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The tablet is swallowed with some water and can be taken independently of meals.
Situations for taking:
- Unprotected intercourse without any prevention
- condom torn or slipped
- Forgot pill (depending on preparation and time in cycle)
- Prevention plaster or ring changed
- Breaking or diarrhea after taking the regular pill
Side effects: Possible side effects include nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, chest tensions and lubrication bleeding. The next control bleeding can move around a few days. In case of severe complaints or if the period is overdue more than a week, a pregnancy test should be carried out.
Availability and costs
The pill is then available in any pharmacy without a prescription. There is no age limit for the acquisition. In the case of women under 22 years old, statutory health insurance companies take over the costs when a prescription is available. Without a prescription, Levonorgestrel costs about 18 to 20 euros and Ulipristal acetate about 30 to 35 euros.
The pharmacy emergency service is available at night and at weekends. The number of the next emergency service can be found at 0800 00 22 833 or on the Internet.
For women who want a permanent emergency option at home, it is possible to buy the pill afterwards on stock. This is particularly useful for travel or situations where there is no quick access to the pharmacy.
Regular prevention as a better alternative
The pill after that is not a regular contraception method and should not be used regularly. For reliable pregnancy prevention, there are numerous options that should be discussed with a doctor:
Hormonal contraception: Antibabypille, contraceptive plaster, vaginal ring, hormone spiral or three-month syringe. These methods provide a high level of safety when used correctly.
Non-hormonal methods: Copper spiral, copper chain or condom. These are particularly suitable for women who do not want hormonal contraception.
If you want advice on the appropriate contraception method, you will find both established gynecologists and telemedical consulting services available.
