Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Often referred to as the morning after pill, it contains a type of progesterone that stops pregnancy by preventing fertilization.
Certain worries arise from being sexually active. Besides being infected by one of the several sexually transmitted diseases out there, people also worry about unwanted pregnancies. You can dramatically lower your chance of getting pregnant by using emergency contraception with 3 days of sex ( the sooner, the better).
Studies indicate you have only a 1% to 2% chance of getting pregnant if you take emergency contraception within 72 hours of sex.
Taking emergency contraceptive is encouraged if you forgot to use protection, the condom broke or you used it incorrectly.
It is also essential for a woman who was raped to take emergency contraceptive pills besides getting treatment for STD exposure.
Here are the six things you really need to know about Emergency contraception:
- It is best you take the pill as soon as possible
Healthcare professionals recommend that emergency contraceptive pills are taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex.
Although effectiveness declines over time, research indicates Emergency contraception pills can be effective up to five days after unprotected intercourse.
By day five, effectiveness drops to about 50 percent, it is best taken within the first 24 hours
- Sexually transmitted diseases
In recent times, the use of emergency contraceptive pills has been linked to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases.
This is because some people have abandoned the use of barrier protection methods like condoms.
This risky sexual behavior is dangerous because emergency contraceptive pills offer no protection from STD infections, they only prevent pregnancy.
- You don’t need to see your doctor to get it
You don’t need to get a prescription from your doctor, you can simply get an Emergency contraception pill at a pharmacy.
Emergency contraceptive tablets are available over the counter at reputable pharmacies in the country.
- There is more than one type of emergency contraception pill
There are several kinds of Emergency contraception pills – you have a choice of two different pills – containing either ulipristal acetate or levonorgestrel.
Most of these pills use levonorgestrel, a form of the hormone progesterone.
Some popular brands include Postinor, Plan B, One-Step, Next Choice, and Trivora.
You can consult a healthcare professional about effectiveness to ensure you are well informed of your options.
- Effect on fertility
The use of emergency contraception has no effect on future fertility regardless of how many times you take it.
However, after using emergency contraception, make use of a condom until you have a long-term contraceptive in place.
Emergency contraception pills are not meant to be a regular form of contraceptive.
- It does not cause miscarriage or abortion
Emergency contraception works by preventing fertilization from occurring. It has no impact on an existing pregnancy.
This means if you are pregnant when taking the contraception pill it will not terminate the pregnancy.
For more advice and help, feel free to consult a doctor via The Reliance Care App.
