Emergency contraception is a type of birth control designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The significant difference in this method of contraception is that, you take it after intercourse instead taking it before. However, it is not a substitute for birth control, and it’s not a means to terminate a pregnancy. As the name indicates, an emergency contraceptive is for urgent situations only and should be used sparingly. If you are already pregnant, these will not be effective, and taking it will not induce abortions.
Any girl or woman of reproductive age who wants to avoid unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse can use emergency contraception. There are no medical contraindications for its use, and there are no age limits for it. There are many situations when this type of contraception can be used, including:
● When birth control is not used during intercourse.
● When a woman is sexually assaulted and is not protected by a contraceptive.
● When there is an incorrect use of condoms, such as breakage or slippage.
● When a woman misses taking contraceptive pills three or more days or is 3 days late in her menstrual cycle.
● Failure to abstain or miscalculate the period of abstinence.
● Expulsion of IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device) or contraceptive implant.
Emergency contraception is also called ‘morning-after pills’, and depending on the brand and dose, one or two pills may be needed. Some of the types of emergency contraception are:
● Ulipristal acetate (Ella): This pill contains ulipristal, a nonhormonal drug that blocks the reactions of key hormones needed for conception. The major drawback of Ella is that it is not available over the counter and is a prescription-only pill.
● Hormone-based emergency contraception pills: These typically contain levonorgestrel hormone. Can be obtained without prescription from the pharmacy. Also called I-pill , when used as over the counter medication.
● Birth control pills: These can be used as emergency contraceptives, and more than a pill needs to be taken to prevent pregnancy. This may be a less effective approach and may cause nausea. It is advised not to take birth control pills like this, and if choosing this option, check with the healthcare provider for the correct dose.
● Copper-T IUD: The IUD can also work as an emergency contraceptive. It goes inside the body, and if you want to use it, the IUD has to be inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days after intercourse. It works both as a birth control option and emergency contraception. As long as it remains in place, it prevents pregnancy.
Emergency pills work by stopping or delaying ovulation. Levonorgestrel pills, which are hormone-based medications, temporarily block eggs from being released, thereby preventing pregnancy. Ulipristal acetate (Ella) blocks the key hormones needed for conception, while the IUD stops the fertilised egg from getting implanted into the uterus.
For emergency contraception to be more effective, it is essential to take them sooner than later. Studies have shown that if taken within 72 hours of intercourse, there is only a 1 to 2% chance of pregnancy.
Generic levonorgestrel works well if taken within 3 days but may work until 5 days after intercourse. IUD and Ella work up to 5 days after copulation. Remember that these are only averages; your menstrual cycle matters. If you are in the fertile window of your cycle and wait for many days to take emergency contraceptives, it could be late. That is why healthcare providers recommend that you use it immediately after intercourse.
The morning-after pill does not last long in your system as it is not intended to last. You have to take it soon after unprotected sex. However, you should not have intercourse again as it becomes ineffective. Another birth control method may have to be chosen for future use. The pills delay ovulation and do not stop it. Use another type of protection if you want to have sex for a second time, as the chances of becoming pregnant are higher.
Emergency contraceptives are generally safe for most women, with no major side effects. However, mild symptoms like headache, nausea, and stomach cramps may be noticed. If the nausea is severe, you can take over-the-counter medicines to relieve it. The other symptoms may include spotting, and the following period may come late or early by a few days. Consult your doctor if you have medical problems and are concerned about their risks. If you have a chronic condition, check with a healthcare provider before using the Ella contraceptive.
There are no restrictions on who can use these emergency contraceptives. Some women repeatedly use it for one of the above reasons as their primary contraception. For such women, counselling has to be given on regular contraceptive options. Repeated and frequent use may be harmful for women with medical conditions. Also, frequent use of it can cause side effects like menstrual irregularities and also this method loses its efficacy if used repeatedly ( consecutive months).
Another thing to note here is that emergency contraception will not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV. The best way to avoid these STDs is to limit physical contact with the infected partner. If not, use a condom every time you copulate.
Drugs used in emergency contraception have no fertility impact. It does not affect your ability to have a child later. There will be no delay in fertility after taking emergency contraceptive pills. However, if you have an IUD inserted for emergency contraception, to get pregnant, the IUD has to be removed by the doctor.
The morning-after pill is a lifeline in moments of unexpected intimacy. It doesn't sabotage your future family plans. It offers a temporary pause, a chance to reclaim your reproductive timeline. While some may fear long-term effects, the evidence is clear: emergency contraception does not diminish future fertility. It empowers you to choose your path, ensuring every pregnancy is a deliberate and joyous journey.
Speak to your doctor in case you wish to avoid unplanned pregnancies after unprotected intercourse. Your doctor can advise on various contraceptive methods, including long-term options like IUDs or implants, to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
No. As per healthcare experts, emergency contraception does not affect fertility in the long term.
Emergency contraception works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
No. Emergency contraception does not cause any fertility issues.
You can take them more than once in a menstrual cycle. But you should not rely on it as a long-term birth control option.
