What is emergency contraception

Here in this article we will discuss more about the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills. Emergency contraception, like other forms of birth control, prevents you from becoming pregnant. The only distinction is that it can use after sex.

Drugs used to end a pregnancy are not the same as emergency contraception. Emergency contraception will have no impact as a contraceptive if you are already pregnant. Emergency contraception, unlike the drug RU-466, does not cause abortions.

Emergency contraception can be effective, but it is not a replacement for regular birth control. Regular birth control is more effective, less expensive, and has fewer adverse effects. Emergency contraception, as the name implies, is only for emergencies and should not be used regularly. 

Types of emergency contraception:

The emergency contraceptive pill

Among the two types of emergency contraception, one of them is an oral pill. The emergency contraceptive pill is also known as the Morning-After Pill usually consists of a hormone called levonorgestrel. The hormone in this pill works towards preventing pregnancy in case you have had unprotected sex or your method of birth control failed for some reason.

Also read there are many ways you can look healthier

Generally, the emergency contraceptive pill is effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex or as early as possible. If you plan on taking the pill after 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex, then the pill won’t be effective at avoiding your risk of getting pregnant.

Taking the pill Levonelle or ellaOne might cause headaches, stomach pains, and nausea. If you get sick (vomit) within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours after using ellaOne, see your doctor right away. You’ll need to take another dose or get an IUD. Using emergency contraception has no major adverse effects.

The intrauterine device (IUD or coil)

For the IUD to be effective, it is placed 5 days after unprotected sex or 5 days after the earliest time you may have ovulated.

The IUD is more effective than the pill at preventing pregnancy; just around 1% of women who use the IUD become pregnant. If you’re using the IUD as an emergency contraceptive, you can keep it in and utilize it as your usual method. When the IUD is placed, you may experience some discomfort, although medications can help. Your periods may become longer, heavier, or more painful if you use the IUD as a regular method of contraception

How does an emergency contraceptive pill work?

Oral contraception for emergencies works by postponing ovulation. Hormone-based drugs, such as levonorgestrel tablets, work by temporarily limiting the release of eggs, stopping fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Ella blocks the development of crucial hormones required for fertilization. There are no serious side effects of using emergency contraception.

Who can use emergency contraceptive pills?

To prevent unplanned pregnancy, any woman or girl of reproductive age may require an emergency

 contraceptive pill. The use of emergency contraceptive pills has no absolute medical and age restrictions.

When do you need it?

If you’ve had unprotected intercourse — either because you didn’t use birth control, skipped a birth control pill, were sexually abused, or your method of birth control failed — morning-after pills can help you avoid pregnancy.

Morning-after pills do not prevent an already implanted pregnancy. They typically function by suppressing or postponing ovulation.

Please note that mifepristone (Mifeprex), generally known as RU-486 or the abortion pill, is not the same as the morning-after pill. This medication ends a pregnancy that has already begun to develop after the fertilized egg has bonded to the uterine wall.

Where can you get emergency contraceptive pills?

Emergency contraceptive pills are accessible through drugstores, colleges, public, and women’s health centers, private doctors, as well as some hospital emergency rooms.

Most brands do not require a prescription, depending on your age. Ella and some other varieties do require a prescription. Prescription requires for birth control medications.

Some doctors will prescribe emergency contraceptive pills over the phone and call the prescription in a pharmacy if one is required.

What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

Taking the emergency contraceptive pill has no major or long-term side effects.

However, it can result in:

– headaches 

– stomach ache 

– discomfort with your next period – it can be earlier, later, or more severe than usual 

– feeling sick – If you get sick within 2 hours of taking Levonelle or 3 hours of taking ellaOne, see a doctor since you’ll need to take another dose or get an IUD.

If your symptoms persist after a few days, see a doctor or nurse, or if:

• you believe you are pregnant

• your next period is over a week late
• you have a shorter or lighter period than normal
• a sudden ache in your lower abdomen – a fertilized egg may have implanted outside the womb in exceptional cases (ectopic pregnancy).

What are the risks linked with emergency contraceptive pills

An emergency contraceptive pill is a good option for avoiding pregnancy after unprotected sex, but it’s not as effective as other methods and  not recommend for regular use. Furthermore, even when used correctly, the emergency contraceptive pill might fail, and it provides zero protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Not everyone is suitable for the pill. Do not consume an emergency contraceptive pill if:

– You’re allergic to any of the pill’s constituents.

– You’re consuming some medicines, such as barbiturates or St. John’s wort, that can reduce the effectiveness of the morning-after pill.

– There’s a chance that if you’re overweight or obese, the morning-after pill won’t be as successful in preventing pregnancy as it is for women who aren’t

Do emergency contraceptive pills protect against STDs?

No. You will not be protected from developing STDs such as HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) if you take emergency contraceptive pills. Limiting sexual interaction to one uninfected partner is the greatest approach to avoid contracting STIs. If that isn’t possible, make sure you use other birth control methods like condoms every time you have sex.

Points to bear in mind:

• Follow the directions of the morning-after pill pack or as advised by your gynecologist.
• If you’re using Plan B One-Step, take one pill as soon as necessary after unprotected sex but not more than 72 hours after that. If you’re using Ella, take one pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex and not more than 120 hours after that.
• If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, consult your doctor about taking another dose.
• Don’t have sex until you’ve switched to another birth control technique. The morning-after pill does not provide long-term pregnancy protection. You’re at risk of becoming pregnant if you have unprotected intercourse in the days and weeks after taking the morning-after pill. Make sure you start or restart utilizing birth control.