Facing an unplanned situation after unprotected sex can be stressful, but it's important to know your options. Emergency contraception is available to help prevent pregnancy and give you peace of mind.

Sounds relatable? Then, stay on to read.

In this blog, Karetrip will explore the different types of emergency contraception, how they work, and what you need to consider when choosing the best option for you.

Whether you're looking for quick information or detailed guidance, we're here to help you understand your choices and take control of your reproductive health.

What Happens If You Are Already Pregnant?

First thing first, let’s clarify this. Emergency contraception does NOT act like an abortion pill.

It is commonly called morning-after pill but it can be used anytime.

If you are already pregnant and have taken the pill, it does not harm the fetus. So, if you find out you are pregnant it is better to discuss the available options with a health care provider as soon as possible than relying on these methods.

Side Effects of Emergency Contraception

• The most common side effects are vomiting and nausea. So, whenever a doctor prescribes ECP it also includes medication to prevent vomiting. If you vomit within 1 hour of intake of the first dose then you may need to take more doses.

• Other side effects include bloating, irregular bleeding, headaches and tender breasts which do not last long.

• The risk associated with the usage of this method is its lower efficiency when compared with other methods. It is more expensive when compared to other methods.

• These pills do not have long-term risks associated with it and do not affect a person's future fertility.

• It is important to note that these do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.

• The best way to avoid such diseases is to limit sexual contact to one uninfected partner.

• Always consult a doctor to know the best option for you to protect yourself from pregnancy after unprotected sex.

• The two forms of emergency contraceptives are over-the-counter pills that you take orally and intrauterine devices that are inserted by a healthcare professional.

How Do They Work?

Emergency contraceptives work by delaying or preventing ovulation. If you have already ovulated them these contraceptives don’t work. They do not induce abortion and do not harm the fetus.

The copper-bearing IUD causes chemical changes in the sperm before it meets the egg thus preventing fertilization.

When To Use Them

It is considered best to be used within 3 days of unprotected sex. It is mainly used when a condom breaks or slips, if you are late for a birth control shot or if you forgot to take your pills. Instead of before or during sex, emergency contraceptives can be used after you have had sex. As the name suggests they should be used only during emergencies and they are not meant to be used all the time.

Emergency Contraceptives or IUD: Which One To Choose?

Most healthcare professionals suggest IUDs over emergency contraceptives as they are considered the most effective methods of emergency contraception. When does Emergency contraceptive fail

Emergency contraceptives do not work in the following scenarios:

• If you are already pregnant

• If you are under certain medications

• If you take the pills too late after unprotected sex

• If you vomit soon after taking them

Who Needs Emergency Contraceptives?

• The emergency pill must be used by women somewhere in the range of 25 and 45 years age bracket. It isn't the most secure method for youths.

• With the rise of teen pregnancy in India, schools and universities should consider launching a mission for sex training and teaching youngsters about the destructive impacts of preventative pills.

• These preventative pills are hormonal pills and their consumption for a drawn-out timeframe will result in serious feminine issues and ovarian harm.

• Emergency pills can bring down the libido level, and women may experience delays in periods.

• A few women complain of serious migraines brought about by hormonal irregularity.

Taking A Pill? What Happens Next?

• The emergency pills are available as a 3-day pill and 5-day pill. The 3 day pill works by delaying ovulation. So you can consume this pill 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.

• The 5-day pill can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. It also works by delaying the ovulation.

• The pill becomes less effective if you have consumed other emergency contraceptive pills in the same cycle or if you are on hormonal contraceptives.

• If you feel any discomfort after taking these pills it is better to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

• Most women taking pills get their period within a week of the expected date. In case you do not get your period more than one week after expected then it's better to get a pregnancy test done to confirm the possibilities.

• Emergency contraceptives work best when used as soon as possible after an episode of unprotected sex but they can still work if taken within three to five days.

• It is also found that emergency contraceptives may not prevent pregnancies in obese women. So, if your body mass index is more than 30 it's better to discuss the options with the doctor.

• It is not meant to be used for regular birth control.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey. - Disclaimer