Are you thinking of taking the morning after pill? Make sure you know the facts first. What is it? How does emergency contraception work? And, how might it affect your health? At AAA Life Services, we can help you get the answers. Call us, or, if you're near Clarion University, just stop by -- we're just about a block away. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help answer your questions, arrange a free pregnancy test and make you aware of your options.

What is it?

The morning after pill is a large dose of oral contraceptives. Most brands are taken within 72 hours of intercourse. Some provide a one pill dosage and others have two, with the second pill taken 12 hours after the first. This form of emergency contraception is not the same as RU-486

How does emergency contraception work?

The morning after pill is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. It also may inhibit implantation. Emergency contraception is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.

How might it affect my health?

Emergency contraception will not work if you are already pregnant and it does not protect against HIV infections (AIDs) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The most common side effects of the pill(s) include nausea, adbominal pain, fatigue, headache and menstrual changes. Pill manufactures warn that their products should not be used as routine contraceptives.