Medical Questions » Contraception Questions » Question No. 227
| Question: | I had sex with a boy when I was drunk six weeks ago. I didn' t really know what I was doing at the time, and I didn' t take any precautions, and I don' t think he did either. As a result, I spent three weeks desperately waiting for my period, and was scared witless until it arrived. When I told my girlfriend why I was so worried, she told me I could have had a pill to stop me getting pregnant after sex. Please tell other girls about this magic pill, so they will not get pregnant or worry the way I did. |
| Answer: | The ' morning-after pill' is by no means the ideal method of contraception, and it is far better to use a contraceptive before (eg. oral contraceptive pill) or during (eg. condom) sex, than afterwards.
Doctors can prescribe pills that can be taken up to 72 hours after sex, to prevent pregnancy. They do not always succeed in preventing pregnancy, and they work far better if taken as soon as possible after sex. In most cases, some form of irregular vaginal bleeding, or an abnormal period follows taking these pills.
Men do not get pregnant, and as a result, there is little pressure for them to use a contraceptive. Any woman who is sexually active is far better off being prepared to prevent pregnancy than desperately seeking out a doctor to prescribe a ' morning-after pill' . Women who carry condoms in their purse are not ' fast' , just sensible and cautious.
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