Can The Morning After Pill Make You Depressed?

May 22, 2018 Emergency Contraception

The morning after pill (MAP) is an emergency contraceptive which prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. It works in very much the same way as the conventional contraceptive pill by preventing ovulation.  

The MAP works up to five days after sexual intercourse but is most effective if taken as soon as possible. Emergency contraception is available in local chemists or online.

Most women take the morning after pill regularly without suffering negative side effects.  Studies suggest emergency contraception to be as safe as taking the conventional pill. It is very effective as long as you are not already pregnant or ovulated.

It is not an abortion pill and will not affect your unborn child if you are pregnant. Side effects from the morning after pill include; nausea, dizziness, headache and fatigue.  Your menstrual cycle may also change slightly after taking emergency contraception.

The morning after pill affects your hormone levels and may leave you with low moods and mild depression.  Worrying about being pregnant may give you the same feelings because it is an emotional experience.

 

BROWSE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION OPTIONS

 

How The Morning After Pill Works

EllaOne and Levonelle are two types of morning after pill.  You can take EllaOne up to five days after unprotected sex and Levonelle up to three days.  However, doctors advise you take them immediately to increase effectiveness.

It works in exactly the same way as the conventional contraceptive pill and carries the same risks.  Emergency contraception prevents ovulation and makes the womb lining too hostile for a fertilised egg to settle.

Most women who take the morning after pill don’t feel any major side effects and carry on with their normal lives.  Typical side effects of emergency contraception include; nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, tender breasts, irregular bleeding and cramps.  

The morning after pill is not an abortion pill and will not cause damage to your baby if you are already pregnant. Although highly effective taking emergency contraception is not suitable for long-term use.  

If you use it frequently you may require a regular form of contraception like the pill or condoms.  The coil is an alternative form of emergency contraception for women unable to take the morning after pill.

 

Causes Of Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that does not discriminate against wealth and success it strikes when you least expect it leaving you feeling like a stranger in your own body.  

There are many reasons people suffer from depression such as life events, stress, trauma or family history. It is an invisible illness that is difficult to understand because it is not simply just feeling low or unhappy.

People with depression also feel extremely tired, have difficulty thinking and carrying out simple tasks and not enjoying life.  Anyone is susceptible to the condition even world famous celebrities.

Some people just suffer from depression for no discernible reason while others develop it after traumatic life events.  Possible causes include; stressful situations such as redundancy, divorce and money worries.

Other reasons include; personality traits, family history, childbirth, loneliness, drink and drugs and illness. Sometimes depression makes life so intolerable people choose to end their lives.  

Our general understanding of the effects of the condition are improving and events like Mental Health Week are raising the profile of depression.  Members of the Royal Family are also drawing our attention to the illness. People with depression hide their illness very well and avoid seeking the help they need which makes it difficult to treat.  

 

Don’t Suffer In Silence

Treatment involves antidepressants, talk therapy and making lifestyle changes. It is not easy to overcome depression and keeping it in check is a lifelong commitment.

Understanding how depression affects you helps you to find ways to deal with the condition. You must not suffer in silence and seek help otherwise the illness will always control your life.    

If you have symptoms of depression you must visit your doctor who will help you find the right treatment. Organisations like the Samaritans are always available to talk to and offer guidance. The morning after pill may cause depression in some people but not in others depending on how susceptible you are to it.  

To review and purchase the morning after pill please click here.

By Parv Sagoo (Dec 2017)