What is the day after pill?
The day after pill also known as emergency contraception is a type of birth control used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when the other contraceptive method fails to work. There are mainly two types of the day after pill; one is the emergency contraceptive pill that is taken orally and the other is the copper intrauterine device (IUD).
How to get the day after pill for free?
The day after pill is available at most local pharmacies and sexual health clinics. You can walk in and ask for it but if you are in a hurry, it is best to call and book an appointment to save time. Here are ways to get the day after pill for free:
1. Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care in the United States as well as many other countries. They offer free or low-cost day after pills to women who can’t afford to buy them. If you are in the United States, you can visit their website and find the nearest center where you can get the day after pill for free.
2. Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to millions of low-income Americans. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can get the day after pill for free. To qualify for Medicaid, you need to have a low income and meet certain other criteria. You can visit the website healthcare.gov to determine your eligibility.
3. Family planning clinics
Family planning clinics offer free services to women who can’t afford to pay for them. You can visit your local family planning clinic and inquire about the availability of the day after pill. You can also get information about other birth control options that may be suitable for you.
4. Universities and colleges
If you are a student, you can get the day after pill for free at your university or college health center. Most universities and colleges offer free or low-cost services to their students. You can inquire about the availability of the day after pill from the health center.
5. Non-profit organizations
There are many non-profit organizations that offer reproductive health care services and free or low-cost day after pills to women. You can find the nearest non-profit organization in your area by searching online or in your phone book.
What is the eligibility criteria to get the day after pill for free?
The eligibility criteria to get the day after pill for free may vary depending on the organization that provides it. Here are some of the general eligibility criteria:
1. Age
The day after pill is approved for use by women of reproductive age, which means that you have to be at least 18 years old to buy it over the counter without a prescription. If you are under 18, you may need to get a prescription from a healthcare provider or have parental or guardian consent to get the pill.
2. Income
Some organizations that provide the day after pill for free may require you to prove that you have a low income or do not have health insurance. You may need to provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub, to qualify for free services.
3. Residency
You may need to be a resident of the state or county where the service is provided to qualify for free services. You may need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or driver’s license, to confirm your eligibility.
Is the day after pill effective?
The day after pill is very effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or failure of another contraceptive method. The effectiveness of the pill decreases if it is taken after 72 hours. It is important to note that the day after pill is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control.
What are the side effects of the day after pill?
The day after pill is generally safe and does not have any long-term effects on your health. However, like any other medication, it may cause some side effects. Some of the common side effects of the day after pill include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Irregular bleeding
- Cramps and abdominal pain
- Fatigue
If you experience any severe or persistent side effects after taking the day after pill, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What are the alternatives to the day after pill?
There are several other options available if you are looking for emergency contraception besides the day after pill:
1. Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
The copper IUD is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. It works by preventing fertilization of the egg or implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. The copper IUD is more effective than the day after pill and can be used as a regular form of birth control.
2. Regular birth control pills
You can use regular birth control pills as a form of emergency contraception. The pills must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. You need to take a specific dosage of the pills as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
3. Condoms
Condoms can also be used as emergency contraception if they break or slip off during sex. You can use them together with other forms of contraception for added protection.
Conclusion
The day after pill is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of another contraceptive method. If you cannot afford to buy the pill, there are several organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, family planning clinics, universities and colleges, and non-profit organizations, that offer free or low-cost services. It is important to remember that emergency contraception is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control. If you have any questions or concerns about the day after pill, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q. Is the day after pill available without a prescription?
A. Yes, the day after pill is available over the counter without a prescription but you have to be at least 18 years old to buy it without a prescription. - Q. Can I get the day after pill online?
A. Some online pharmacies offer the day after pill for sale but it is important to make sure that they are licensed and the pill is FDA-approved before making a purchase. - Q. Can the day after pill cause an abortion?
A. No, the day after pill does not cause an abortion. It works by preventing ovulation or fertilization of an egg. - Q. Can I use the day after pill if I am on regular birth control?
A. Yes, you can use the day after pill if you are on regular birth control and it fails to work or you forget to take your pill on time. - Q. When should I take the day after pill?
A. You should take the day after pill as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex or failure of another contraceptive method.
References
- “Morning-After Pill.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Dec. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730.
- “Morning After Pill.” PlushCare, 01 May 2021, https://plushcare.com/blog/morning-after-pill/.
- “Emergency Contraception.” Womenshealth.gov, 28 Feb. 2017, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/emergency-contraception.