So you took the morning after pill, Postinor 2, and now you’re wondering if there are any side effects you should know about. The short answer is yes, there are quite a few potential disadvantages and side effects to be aware of before taking this emergency contraceptive.
Postinor 2, with the active ingredient levonorgestrel, is a high dose of hormones meant to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, but those hormones can really mess with your body. Here are 10 common disadvantages of Postinor 2 you should know about so you can decide if the risks are worth it for you.
What Is Postinor 2?
Postinor 2 is an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel, a hormone that prevents ovulation and fertilization. Within 72 hours after unprotected sex, Postinor 2 can prevent up to 85% of expected pregnancies. While Postinor 2 is very effective at preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, the high dose of hormones often causes undesirable side effects.
How does Postinor 2 Works?
Postinor 2 contains a hormone called levonorgestrel that prevents ovulation. It works by stopping an egg from being released from your ovary if taken before ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg if it is taken after ovulation.
- Within 1-2 hours of taking the pill, Postinor 2 works to disrupt your normal menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy.
- It continues working for up to 5 days after unprotected sex by delaying the release of an egg.
- Postinor 2 is most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 12 hours. The sooner you take it, the better it works.
So in short, Postinor 2 works by temporarily suspending your normal menstrual cycle to stop ovulation and prevent fertilization, giving you a chance to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
How to Take Postinor 2
To take Postinor 2, follow these steps:
- Take the first pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The earlier you take it, the better.
- Take the second pill 12 hours after the first. So if you take the first pill at 8 am, take the second one at 8 pm. This helps ensure you have sufficient levels of the hormone in your body.
Use additional contraception like condoms for the rest of your cycle. Postinor 2 is emergency contraception and will not prevent pregnancy from sex after you take it.
See your doctor if your period is more than a week late, or if you have signs of pregnancy like breast tenderness or morning sickness. You may need a pregnancy test. Do not use Postinor 2 as regular birth control. It should only be used in emergencies. For routine contraception, talk to your doctor about other options like birth control pills, implants or IUDs.
Who Shouldn’t Take Postinor 2?
Postinor 2 is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid it if:
- You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. If you’ve already conceived, it won’t be effective.
- You have a condition that could be aggravated by Postinor 2 like bleeding problems, impaired liver function, hypertension, or diabetes. Talk to your doctor first.
- You are breastfeeding
- You are under 16 or over 35 years old. Postinor 2 may be less effective and cause more side effects outside this age range.
- You are taking medications that could interact with Postinor 2 like anticoagulants, antiepileptics, or St. John’s wort. Check with your pharmacist.
- You have had unprotected sex more than 72 hours ago. Postinor 2 must be taken within 3 days to work properly. If it’s been longer, use a different emergency contraceptive or see your doctor.
Disadvantages of Postinor 2
Emergency contraception like Postinor 2 can prevent unwanted pregnancy, but it may cause side effects. Postinor 2 is a progestin-only pill with the hormone levonorgestrel that works by delaying ovulation to prevent fertilization if taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, it is not as effective as regular birth control and does not protect against STDs.
Here are 10 Side Effects Of Postinor 2 You Should Know:
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Postinor 2. The high dose of hormones in the morning after pill can upset your stomach, making you feel queasy or even vomit. To reduce nausea, take the pill with food, crackers or ginger ale. Lying down flat after taking the pill can help relieve nausea.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is one of the common side effects of Postinor 2. The active ingredient in Postinor 2, levonorgestrel, may irritate your stomach lining and cause discomfort. You may experience cramping, nausea, and dull pain in the upper abdomen that can last for a few hours after taking the pill.
To relieve stomach pain from Postinor 2:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas and toast.
- Apply a warm compress to your abdomen.
- Get extra rest.
- You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to relieve discomfort. However, avoid aspirin as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation.
The stomach pain from Postinor 2 is usually temporary and will subside once your body adjusts to the medication. However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a couple of days, consult your doctor right away as it can be a sign of a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.
It May Hinder Ovulation.
Postinor 2 works by delaying ovulation, so the egg is not released. This means there is no egg available for fertilization, preventing pregnancy. However, delaying ovulation can be problematic for some women.
Postinor 2 delays ovulation, but in some cases, it can prevent ovulation altogether during that cycle. For women trying to conceive, this can be frustrating. It may take time for the body to return to its normal ovulation schedule after taking the morning after pill.
Vomiting
One of the most common side effects of taking Postinor 2 is vomiting. The high dose of hormones in the morning after pill can irritate your stomach and trigger nausea leading to vomiting for some women. This usually happens within 2-3 hours of taking the pill.
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking Postinor 2, the pill may not have been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. This can make the morning after pill less effective. Call your doctor right away for guidance on whether you need to take another dose. They may advise you to take another Postinor 2 pill as soon as possible.
The hormones in Postinor 2 can disrupt your menstrual cycle, so experiencing some nausea or vomiting may be normal. But prolonged, frequent, or heavy vomiting requires medical attention to avoid health risks and ensure the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive. Be sure to talk to your doctor if vomiting from Postinor 2 is persistent or a concern.
Tiredness
Tiredness is a common side effect of Postinor 2. The high dose of levonorgestrel in the morning after pill can make you feel fatigued and sleepy. This is because the hormone in the pill disrupts your normal menstrual cycle.
The tiredness usually appears within a few days of taking the pill and can last around a week. While inconvenient, the drowsiness is temporary and will subside once your hormone levels stabilize and your period arrives.
Some tips to combat the tiredness:
- Drink plenty of water and caffeine-free beverages like herbal tea to stay hydrated.
- Get extra rest when possible. Take naps or go to bed earlier.
- Exercise gently with activities like walking, yoga or stretching. Light activity releases endorphins to boost your energy and mood.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of iron, protein and B vitamins which help support energy levels.
The exhaustion should pass once your hormone levels return to normal. If it persists for more than a week or is severe, consult your doctor. They may check for other issues like anemia before determining if the pill is the cause.
Headache
One of the common side effects of Postinor 2 is headache. The hormone in Postinor 2 can cause changes in your hormone levels, which may lead to headache. The headache from Postinor 2 is usually mild to moderate, but can sometimes be severe.
To relieve the headache, you can:
- Rest and relax. Lying down in a quiet dark room can help.
- Apply a cool compress to your head or neck.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can trigger or worsen headaches.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the dosage instructions.
- See your doctor if the headache is severe or does not go away. They may prescribe stronger medication to relieve your pain.
The headache should go away once your body adjusts to the changes in hormone levels, usually within a day or two. However, if it persists or gets worse, consult your doctor right away. They can determine if there are any other underlying conditions causing your headache and recommend appropriate treatment.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhea is one of the common side effects of Postinor 2. It causes frequent loose or liquid stools as your body tries to get rid of the hormones from the morning after pill. The diarrhea is usually mild to moderate but can sometimes be severe.
To avoid dehydration from diarrhea:
Drink plenty of fluids like oral rehydration solutions, water or juice to replace lost fluids. This will help prevent dehydration and keep you hydrated. You can also eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas and spaghetti. Avoid spicy, fatty or highly seasoned foods which can further aggravate diarrhea. If the diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a couple of days, contact your doctor. They may prescribe anti-diarrheal medications to provide relief. Always follow the instructions and take the medications as directed.
Tender Breasts
One of the most common side effects of Postinor 2 is tender breasts. The emergency contraceptive pill contains high doses of hormones that can cause breast tenderness or swelling. The breast tissue may feel sore or sensitive to touch. This tenderness usually starts within a few days of taking the pill and lasts up to a week.
To relieve breast tenderness:
- Wear a supportive bra, especially during physical activity.
- Apply a warm compress to your breasts. The heat can help relax the muscles and relieve soreness.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to reduce discomfort.
- Limit caffeine and salt intake which can worsen symptoms.
- Gently massage your breasts. Use small circular motions and mild pressure to ease tenderness.
The tenderness is temporary and will subside once your body adjusts to the hormone changes. However, if your breasts remain severely painful for more than a week, consult your doctor. They can examine your breasts and may order further tests to determine the cause of ongoing tenderness.
Skin Reactions
Skin irritation and rashes are common side effects of Postinor 2. The progestin in Postinor 2 may cause skin reactions including:
- Rashes, welts or hives
- Itching
- Redness or inflammation
These skin reactions are usually not serious but can be uncomfortable. Antihistamines and cortisone creams may help relieve symptoms like itching. See a doctor if the rash is severe or does not clear up. In rare cases, Postinor 2 may cause angioedema, a swelling of the face, tongue or throat. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Postinor 2 Can Disrupt Your Menstrual Cycle
Postinor 2 contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that prevents ovulation and can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle.
Taking an emergency contraceptive like Postinor 2 may delay your period by up to one week. Your next period may also be lighter or heavier than usual. Don’t worry your cycle should return to normal within a month or two. However, if your period is more than a week late, or extremely light or heavy, consult your doctor to rule out pregnancy or other issues.
When to Report to Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following side effects after taking Postinor 2, contact your doctor right away:
- Severe abdominal pain: This could indicate an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention.
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding: While spotting is normal, heavy bleeding that soaks through more than one pad an hour for several hours is not and you should call your doctor.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood: This could indicate a blood clot in the lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition, and emergency care is needed.
- Severe headache, confusion or weakness: These can be signs of hemorrhagic stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain. Call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
- High fever (over 101 F or 38.3 C): A high fever along with pelvic pain can indicate a uterine infection and needs to be treated right away.
- Depression or mood changes: Hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive pill can sometimes cause temporary feelings of sadness or moodiness. Contact your doctor if these feelings are intense or last more than a few days.
While the most common side effects of Postinor like nausea, vomiting, fatigue and irregular bleeding will likely resolve on their own, any severe or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. It’s always better to be safe in situations like this.
How Effective is Postinor 2?
Postinor-2 is estimated to prevent 85% of expected pregnancies. Preventing 95% of expected pregnancies if taken within the first 24 hours, 58% if taken between 48 and 72 hours following an unprotected intercourse.
Can I Use Postinor 2 More Than Once?
Postinor 2 should only be used as an emergency contraceptive. It should not be used as a regular form of birth control. Repeated use within the same menstrual cycle is not recommended and may reduce effectiveness.
How Much Does Postinor 2 Cost in Nigeria?
The cost can range from 800 naira to 3,500 naira, depending on where you purchase it. It is available in most pharmaceutical outlets in the country.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the major side effects and disadvantages of using the morning after pill Postinor 2 that you need to be aware of before popping that little pill.
While Postinor 2 can be effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, it does come with risks that you must consider based on your own health conditions and situation. The choice is ultimately up to you, but be sure to think it over carefully and discuss it with your doctor. Your health and safety should be the top priority here. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what to expect if you do take Postinor 2.