How Does the Morning After Pill Work?

The morning after pill, sometimes called Plan B, is a contraceptive pill that works on several different levels to prevent a pregnancy before it happens. Not many people understand the actual mechanics of this drug and how it works within their body. It’s a good idea to know what the drugs you take do to you, so you can be prepared for the side effects and so you can judge for yourself whether you really want to be taking them or not.

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the progesterone hormone. Levonelle primarily works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). However, it also increases the thickness of the mucus around the cervix. This can help by creating a barrier, that makes it difficult for sperm to pass through.

ellaOne contains a chemical called ulipristal acetate. This affects the receptors of the progesterone hormone. It tricks the body into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by telling the receptors that there are higher levels of progesterone than there actually are. This delays ovulation or prevents it altogether.

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