We are adults now, and being adults comes with the freedom to do whatever we want and, most importantly, being responsible for our actions. Today we will discuss emergency contraceptives. I firmly believe in abstinence from sex, but life is always ready to hit us with surprises, which is why women and their partners should know about emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception is the type of birth control you take after having unprotected sex. You can use it even after 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, the earlier you use the medication, the better.
Emergency contraception is also called the morning-after pill. Although these pills are called morning-after pills, you do not have to wait till morning before you use them.
Emergency contraception is easily accessible to women of all ages. You can get this pill at your local pharmacy without a prescription.
Emergency contraception is good because it has reduced the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortions. However, if you take the pill within 72 hours after having unprotected sex, you have only a 2% chance of getting pregnant, that is if you have not yet ovulated.
Emergency contraception is not abortion pills. Instead, emergency contraception is a quick attempt to prevent pregnancy after risky behavior.
How does the emergency contraception pill work?
The morning-after pill works by delaying ovulation. Ovulation is the release of the egg from the ovary. Once the egg is released, it can be fertilized if sperm is available. Fertilization of the egg by the sperm is pregnancy. So based on this principle, you can not get pregnant if you do not ovulate.
Another way emergency contraception works is by preventing egg fertilization if ovulation has already occurred. Remember that sperm can remain in the woman’s body for up to five days.
The ability to delay ovulation and prevent egg fertilization makes emergency contraception pills effective.
Common names for emergency contraception pills are Postinor 2, Plan B, Take action, My way, Afterpill, etc.
Morning-after pills usually contain levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. Levonorgestrel binds to progesterone receptors and decreases the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the brain. The result is a decrease in Luteinizing hormone leading to delayed ovulation. On the other hand, ulipristal acetate works by binding progesterone receptors to progesterone. Ulipristal acetate antagonizes these receptors and leads to delayed ovulation and decreased endometrial thickness.
What are the side effects of emergency contraception pills (Morning-after pills)?
The side effects of the morning-after pills are not severe, and every woman experiences different side effects. These symptoms include:
- Migraines
- Abdominal discomfort
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea/ Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Early/Late period
- Spotting
Usually, these side effects are short-term. However, if you experience severe forms of any of these side effects after using the medication, please consult the doctor.
What should you not do after taking emergency contraceptives?
After taking emergency contraceptives, do not have unprotected sex until you are confident that the medication has worked. Instead, abstain or go on or continue birth control.
By no means should you substitute birth control pills for emergency contraceptives. Emergency contraceptives are only for emergencies and are not to be used regularly because the FDA has not approved them for use as regular birth control. In addition, regular birth control pills are cheaper and more effective at preventing pregnancy.
The best birth control is abstinence. Other effective birth control method includes natural planning, cervical caps, condoms, hormonal birth control pills, and IUDs.
Emergency contraceptives do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, so it is best not to engage in risky behavior.
Will emergency contraceptives work if you are already pregnant?
No, emergency contraceptives are not effective if you are already pregnant. The pills prevent ovulation, but pregnant women do not ovulate. Emergency contraceptives will not harm the baby. Please do not use emergency contraceptives if you are already pregnant.
Additionally, the emergency contraceptive will not work if you have already ovulated. However, it might reduce the chances of the egg being fertilized or implanted.
How can you tell if the emergency contraception has worked?
You can only know if the emergency contraceptive worked when you get your period.
What if emergency contraception fails?
Although emergency contraceptives have a high success rate, they can fail. Take a pregnancy test if you do not see your period; if it returns positive, you should consult your doctor to discuss your options.
Can emergency pills cause infertility?
No. Emergency contraception does not cause infertility. Women can feel free when using contraceptives.
In conclusion
Emergency contraceptives are safe ways to prevent pregnancy after risky behavior. They are also called morning-after pills but can be used any time, 72 hours after unprotected sex. These pills work by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization of the egg.
Finally, emergency contraceptives are not abortion pills. These pills only prevent pregnancy.
I hope I have answered all the questions you might have about emergency contraceptives. If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comment section.
See you guys next week.
MABS 