If you never had to take the morning-after pill, you have probably taken comfort in the fact that it's out there and available over the counter in case of emergency. We would like to assume that you know what Plan B is for, but do you know how it works and how effective it is? There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the emergency contraception, but when your plan A fails, you would want to know the truth. We have debunked the biggest myths about the morning-after pill.

You Will Fall Sick after You Take It

If you are scared of the side effects of the morning-after pill, don't be. Don't believe the aunt who told you about the strong side effects as they are rare and typically mild. Women would take high doses in the past that would lead to queasy and sore breasts. But that is not the case any longer. While you may experience some nausea and headache, it will go away after a day or two.

It Is Only Effective If Taken Right Away

You have missed your window if you have not taken it within 72 hours, right? Wrong. While it is true that you must take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, recent studies have shown that the pill can be effective up to four days. So, don't panic if you have not been able to take the pill right away. Everything You Need To Know About Emergency Contraceptives For Women.

It Can Halt Pregnancy Once It's Started

One big misconception about the morning-after pill is that it can stop pregnancy. But the fact is that the pill works by inhibiting or delaying ovulation so that the egg is not even released. Emergency contraception also affects the lining of the uterus that makes implantation difficult. So if the egg is released, fertilised or implanted before you took the pill, you are pregnant.

It Is Not As Effective In Heavier Women

All the sources that told you that morning-after pill is less effective in heavier women, was wrong. There is no research to back this claim, so it is definitely a myth. So irrespective of your weight, take the pill if you went all out last night. Effective Contraceptive Methods to Birth Control.

There May Be Long Term Effects of Using It

Progestin is the main ingredient in the morning after pill which is the same form of progestin found in other forms of birth control. This drug has been around for a long time and it is extremely safe. Contraceptive Jewellery: Everything You Should Know About This New Form of Birth Control.

It Is Only For People Who Had Unprotected Sex

Maybe you forgot to take your birth control pill or your condom broke midway action, birth control failures happen. It is still perfectly safe to take the morning-after pill even if you are on birth control pill. If you have missed your pills a few days in a row and have also not used condoms, it makes every sense to take the emergency contraception.

And if you have always thought men can't buy it, change your thinking. The emergency contraceptive pills are readily available in pharmacies and men are legally allowed to purchase it.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2019 03:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).