Emergency contraception is an alternative method of birth control that many people often use when the unexpected happens, such as a broken condom, forgetting to take a regular birth control pill, or having unprotected sex. However, many people still have many misunderstandings about how to use it, its side effects, and its true effectiveness.
This article will take you deep into everything from how emergency contraceptives work, the best time to use them, to the risks and precautions, along with how to take one emergency contraceptive pill and other safer and more effective alternative contraceptive methods.
Solve your doubts: What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are birth control pills that are taken after unprotected sex or when the contraceptive method used has failed, such as a condom breaking or slipping during sex. The pills work by preventing ovulation or fertilization, reducing the chances of pregnancy.
In general, it is best to take it within 72 hours แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ after sex for best results, and the sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraceptive pills work by adjusting your body’s hormone levels to prevent pregnancy after sex. There are three main mechanisms of action, depending on the time of your menstrual cycle and when you take the pill:
- Ovulation suppression: The drug works by delaying or preventing ovulation, so no eggs are released to await fertilization.
- Prevents fertilization. If ovulation has already occurred, the drug works by changing your cervical mucus and the movement of your fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- It prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization occurs, the drug makes the lining of the uterus unsuitable for implantation, making it impossible to become pregnant.
Types of emergency contraception
There are many types of emergency contraceptives, which differ in their composition, how they work, and when they are most effective. Choosing the right one is important to increase the effectiveness of preventing pregnancy. They can be divided into 3 main types:
Single hormone pills (Levonorgestrel)
Levonorgestrel is the most common emergency contraceptive pill. And It comes in the form of 1 or 2 pills. It contains the synthetic progestogen hormone Levonorgestrel, which works primarily to prevent ovulation. It should be taken within 72 hours after sex for best results. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
Combination hormone drugs
Combination pills are regular birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, but they are used as emergency contraception. Taking high doses for a short period of time requires the advice of a doctor or pharmacist because they have more side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, than single-hormone pills and are less effective at preventing pregnancy.
Emergency Prescription Drug (Ulipristal Acetate)
Prescription emergency contraception (Ulipristal Acetate) is a prescription-strength emergency contraception pill available under the trade name “Ella” and other names. It is more effective than Levonorgestrel and can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) after sex. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, even during times when ovulation is most likely to occur. And It is suitable for high-risk emergencies or when ovulation is near.
How to use emergency contraception correctly and safely
Taking emergency contraception pills correctly will help increase the effectiveness of preventing pregnancy while reducing the risk of possible side effects. The following steps should be followed:
- Take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception works best if taken within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be.
- Follow the directions on the label or your pharmacist’s instructions, such as: For emergency contraception, take one pill at the prescribed time; for two pills, take the first pill immediately and the second pill 12 hours later.
- Emergency contraception should not be used in place of monthly contraceptives because the hormone content of emergency contraception is higher than that of regular contraceptives. Regular use can affect the hormone system and increase the risk of side effects.
- If vomiting occurs within 2 hours after taking the medication, it should be repeated because the medication may not have been completely absorbed by the body. Consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking the medication again.
- If your period is delayed, you should take a pregnancy test to confirm that the medication is working, especially if your period is more than 1 week late.