Engaging yourself in unprotected sex, which means sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives or barrier methods, may have its consequences and risks.

Are you someone who is looking for methods to prevent pregnancy after an unprotected sex? Then you are at the right place!

Karetrip is here for you to guide you through the various means and methods to avoid pregnancy after an unprotected sex. Here you go.

Emergency Contraception Options

Emergency contraception should be taken immediately, if you want to avoid pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation or fertilization of the egg.

There are various options for emergency contraception as follows:

• Plan B (Levonorgestrel), commonly known as the morning-after pill, is very effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

• Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) can also be taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex. It is also very effective.

• The Copper IUD can be used as an emergency contraceptive within 5 days of unprotected sex. It is the most effective emergency contraception.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Methods

Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Its efficiency reduces with time as follows:

• Within 24 hours: Reduces the risk of pregnancy by up to 95%

• Within 72 hours (3 days): Reduces the risk by up to 89%

• After 72 hours: Effectiveness significantly decreases and it is not recommended for use after this period

Ella remains consistent throughout its use as follows:

• Within 120 hours (5 days): Reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 85%

• It does not reduce its effectiveness over the 5-day period.

The Copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception method available:

• Within 120 hours (5 days): Reduces the risk of pregnancy by more than 99%

• It Provides long-term contraception for up to 10 years after insertion

Weight Considerations

Weight should be considered while selecting the pill as follows: Plan B is less effective for people over 75 kgs. Ella is higher in efficiency as compared to Plan B for individuals over 75 kgs.

Accessing Emergency Contraception

Plan B is widely available over the counter and can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies, drugstores, and some grocery stores. There is no age restriction.

Prescription Requirements

Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) requires a prescription. You can get it from most of the pharmacies. The Copper IUD requires a medical specialist. You should schedule an appointment with a gynaecologist and get it inserted by him. You may need a follow-up visit too. You can get it in various family planning clinics and public health clinics.

Insurance Coverage and Cost

For Plan B, some insurance plans may be covered.

For Ella, the insurance is usually covered.

For Copper IUD, the insurance is covered under most insurance plans, including medical aid.

Additional Considerations

There are certain side effects, which should be known to you before having the pill, as follows:

Plan B (Levonorgestrel)

• Nausea and Vomiting: May occur shortly after taking the pill. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking Plan B, another dose may be needed.

• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches can occur.

• Menstrual Changes: The next period may be earlier, later, heavier, or lighter than usual.

Ella (Ulipristal Acetate)

• Nausea: Similar to Plan B, nausea can occur after taking the pill.

• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the stomach area.

• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.

• Menstrual Changes: Delayed menstruation is common. The period may also be heavier or lighter.

Copper IUD

• Cramping: Pain during and shortly after insertion.

• Spotting: Light bleeding between periods, especially in the first few months.

• Heavier Periods: Increased menstrual flow and cramping during periods, which may reduce over time.

Long-Term Contraceptive Options

• Birth control pills contain hormones, which prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. It is over 99% effective with perfect use; about 91% effective with typical use. It should be taken daily at the same time.

• The birth control patch is a transdermal patch that releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. It is also very effective with typical use. It is applied to the skin and replaced weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.

• The birth control ring is a flexible ring placed inside the vagina that releases hormones. This is also an effective method. It is inserted for three weeks, removed for one week, then replaced with a new ring. It may cause vaginal irritation.

• A hormonal IUD is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that releases progestin. Very effective method. It ensures protection for 3-7 years.

• The birth control implant is a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The method is highly effective. It provides protection for up to 3 years.

Non-Hormonal Methods

The Copper IUD is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that releases copper ions to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It ensures protection for up to 10 years.

Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg and can be used in conjunction with other contraceptive methods for added protection. Condoms are available in male and female versions. It must be used correctly every time.

Diaphragms and Cervical Caps may also be used. They are silicone cups to cover the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. They can be inserted hours before sex.