Is the morning after pill effective after 6 days?

So, you’re six days late on taking the morning after pill (cue gasps). We know, we know. You feel like the ultimate irresponsible human-being right about now but we’re here to tell you…sht happens! And sometimes plans don’t go according to what’s written down in your handy-dandy planner.

Whether it was a wild night out or an unexpected slip-up with your partner, it’s better not to beat yourself up about it and pick yourself up instead. Because guess what? The morning-after pill can still be effective even if taken after 6 days!

Yes, you read that right my friend – there is hope for all of us forgetful souls out there. Let’s dive deeper into why/how/what/where/when (insert whatever question pops up in your mind) this thing works:

The Fun Science behind the Morning-After Pill

Okay folks let’s get serious now (adjusts glasses) and talk some science.

The morning-after pill works by delaying ovulation or preventing fertilization which means that sperm cells gotta wait their turn before they can have some fun time with an egg cell (poor fellas).

In simpler words: If no eggs are released from the ovaries then none of them will meet Casanova Sperm thus resulting in NO PREGNANCY (woohoo).

Now how does this relate back to our initial question?

So What Happens When You Take Plan B After 72 Hours?

We get it – life happens and those three small days went by much quicker than expected leaving us scrambling for Plan-B (how ironic!). Yet rest assured my friends because it may work despite popular belief that its effectiveness starts deteriorating quite quickly past 72 hours post-sexual intercourse.

It has been reported to work for up to five days (woot woot), but the chances of it being completely effective continue to decrease as each day passes.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take it past that 72 hour mark. We’re just trying to level with you here and let you know that realistically its effectiveness does lessen over time, HOWEVER, something is usually better than nothing!

Why Does The Morning-After Pill’s Effectiveness Reduce Over Time?

This really depends on whether or not ovulation has already occurred. Once an egg has been released by the ovaries then any measure taken after would deem quite ineffective (time-traveling aside).

It’s kind of like locking the barn doors after the horse has bolted – futile attempts at damage control resulting in zero benefits.

Yet before ovulation occurs? That’s where Plan B swoops in and saves the day! Think of yourself as Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune except instead of consonants and vowels appearing there are sperm cells desperately searching for a way into your magical gates (scary thought).

But don’t fret – this is exactly why morning-after pills were invented: To act quickly before those pestering boys find their match and populate like rabbits inside our uteruses. YES, we said uteri because we’re fancy (flips hair)

Are There Any Side Effects From Taking It Past 72 Hours?

The answer here varies depending on multiple factors such as one’s weight/height/lifestyle/etc. It ranges from mild discomforts such as stomach ache/upset tummy/dizziness all sound pretty bearable yet could range up until heavier side effects thus again emphasizing on taking Plan-B immediately if possible within the given timeline starting post-coitus (that means sex)

Rest assured though – most women experience little-to-no side effects (betty white nodding head meme).

And there ya have it folks! So don’t beat yourself up and take necessary precautions as soon as possible. Remember always to use protection when available, try to stay vigilant with your contraception methods, but most importantly:

DON’T PANIC!

You got this.

Table of Content

  1. Introduction
  2. The Fun Science behind the Morning-After Pill
  3. So What Happens When You Take Plan B After 72 Hours?
  4. Why Does The Morning-After Pill’s Effectiveness Reduce Over Time?
  5. Are There Any Side Effects From Taking It Past 72 Hours?
  6. Conclusion

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