Morning-after Pill in Malaysia: Is it a Plan B?
Worried about an unexpected pregnancy or looking for better ways to manage your family planning? We've got you covered! In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the morning-after pill, including popular brands like Postinor 2 and Escapelle, and explore other effective family planning methods. Whether you need a quick solution or want to plan for the long term, read on to find out how you can take control of your reproductive health.
What is Morning-After Pill? 💊
The morning-after pill is a type of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.1 It’s not meant to be used regularly but as a backup option. Another effective emergency contraceptive is a copper IUD, which is more effective compared to the pill.1
Did You Know? The morning-after pill is often nicknamed "Plan B" because it's designed to be a backup plan for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It's like having a safety net, giving you a second chance to avoid an unplanned pregnancy! |
Types & How Does it Work?
There are three types of morning-after pills2:
- A pill containing antiprogestin
- A pill containing progestin
- Combined oral contraceptives (COCs): Comprised of both estrogen and progestin
- Note: Certain combined oral contraceptives can be used for emergency contraception through the Yuzpe method. This involves taking a higher dose of these pills to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
These pills help prevent pregnancy by either stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). However, it's important to note that the morning-after pill won't work if you're already pregnant.
When and How Should You Take Morning-After Pills?
Timing is key for the morning-after pill. Take the pill as quickly as you can after unprotected sex. The pill works best within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. Consult your doctor to find out how long your specific pill remains effective.3
Is Morning-After Pills Effective?
If taken within 24 hours, the morning-after pill can be up to 95% effective.2 However, its effectiveness decreases over time. It's less effective if taken between 48 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Side Effects of Morning-After Pill
Like any medication, the morning-after pill can cause side effects, but they are usually mild and don't last long. These may include4:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in your next period (early, late, heavier, or lighter)
If you experience severe side effects, seek medical advice.
Steps to Follow After Taking the Morning-After Pill
After taking the morning-after pill, keep an eye on your symptoms. You should use another form of contraception until your next period to avoid another pregnancy scare. If your period is more than a week late,take a pregnancy test to confirm that the pill worked.
Where to Buy Morning-After Pills in Malaysia
Morning-after pills like Postinor 2and Escapelle are available at most pharmacies in Malaysia. It’s best to check with your local pharmacy for the most up-to-date prices.
Postinor 2 vs. Escapelle: Which One is Right for You?
Both Postinor 2 and Escapelle are emergency contraceptive pills that work well and have the same active ingredient, levonorgestrel.5
The main difference is how you take them: Postinor 2 needs two tablets, while Escapelle has just one. You should take either pill within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, and the sooner you take them, the better they work. They can cause similar side effects, like nausea and tiredness. You can easily find both without needing a prescription.6
When Should You See a Doctor?
You typically won't need a follow-up visit unless you experience severe side effects or a significant delay in your period. However, consulting with a healthcare provider about long-term contraceptive options is always a good idea.
Family Planning 101
While the morning-after pill works well in emergencies, it's important to have a more planned approach to family planning. Here are some methods to consider7:
Method | What Does It Do? | Examples |
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) | Long-term, low-maintenance contraception | |
Short-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (SARCs) | Short-term, needs regular use or application | |
Barrier Methods | Physically blocks sperm from reaching the egg | |
Sterilisation | Permanent birth control | |
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods | Tracks fertility signals to avoid pregnancy |
|
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) | Uses breastfeeding patterns to prevent pregnancy | Suitable for breastfeeding mothers within six months after giving birth(postpartum) |
Not sure which method to consider? Take our quiz today!
Take Control of Your Reproductive Health!
Emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, provides a crucial option for unexpected situations, but it’s important to remember that these should only be used in emergencies. For consistent and reliable reproductive health management, consider long-term family planning methods.Speak with your healthcare provider to find the best solutions tailored to your needs and take proactive steps towards managing your reproductive health effectively.
References
- “Emergency contraception.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception/. Accessed 5 August 2024.
- “Emergency contraception.” World Health Organization (WHO), 9 November 2021, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/emergency-contraception. Accessed 5 August 2024.
- Katzman, DK, and D. Taddeo. “Emergency contraception - PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921734/. Accessed 5 August 2024.
- Kaufman, Miriam. “Emergency contraception - PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792670/. Accessed 5 August 2024.
- NPRA. “Escapelle® & Postinor-2® (levonorgestrel): Levonorgestrel-containing emergency hormonal contraception ─ New advice for users of hepatic-enzyme inducers.” Ministry of Health Malaysia, 11 April 2017, https://www.npra.gov.my/index.php/en/component/content/article/74-english/safety-alerts-main/safety-alert-2017/1157-escapelle-postinor-2-levonorgestrel-levonorgestrel-containing-emergency-hormonal-contraception-new-advice-for-users-of-hepatic-enzyme-induce. Accessed 5 August 2024.
- “About ESCAPELLE.” Escapelle, https://escapelle.com/what-is-escapelle/about-escapelle/. Accessed 5 August 2024.
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers : Evidence-based Guidance Developed Through Worldwide Collaboration. Johns Hopkins, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs, INFO Project, 2007, https://fphandbook.org/sites/default/files/WHO-JHU-FPHandbook-2022Ed-v221115a.pdf. Accessed 5 August 2024.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
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Written By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor, DoctorOnCall Panel Doctors are certified and registered with KKM with vast experience in medical field. on
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