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PREGNANCY

Rational Use of Emergency Contraceptives

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How effective is emergency contraception? The effectiveness of emergency Contraception (EC) depends on which kind of EC you use and how quickly you take it after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Studies indicate that emergency contraceptive pills are 75% effective in preventing pregnancies if taken within the first 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Emergency Contraception pills are most effective when used as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.

The term “morning after pill” can be somewhat misleading as the pill should be ideally taken immediately after the intercourse instead of waiting for the next morning.

Emergency intrauterine device (IUD) insertion is also very effective. If IUD is inserted within 7 days after unprotected sex, it can reduce the chances of pregnancy by 99.9%.

It should be noted that overall emergency Contraception methods are less effective than regular contraceptive methods like Contraception pills or Diaphragms. So, emergency Contraception should not be used as your regular method of Contraception.

Rational use of emergency contraceptives
  • Emergency contraceptive prevents unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex. It reduces the need for Abortion.
  • If EC fails and you become pregnant, there is no long-term effect on the pregnancy or the baby.
  • Emergency contraceptive is the most convenient form of backup birth control if the condom breaks/slips off, your diaphragm slips out of place, you forgot to take your birth control pills or you have been forced to have unprotected sex.
  • Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) does not affect future fertility unless a form of birth control is used.
  • ECP is not associated with birth defects
  • ECP does not increase the risk of Ectopic Pregnancy.
  • You need not get a prescription for ECPs from your doctor. They are available over the counter.
  • Intra Uterine Devices (IUD) can be used as ongoing long-term contraception
  • IUD is suitable for patients with heart disease, stroke and women who have difficulty ingesting ECP due to vomiting.
  • IUD can be used as a “third-chance”, when ECP has been vomited or if you are unable to take the full dose due to nausea and vomiting, or other side-effects.
Things you should know about emergency contraception
  • Common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and menstrual changes. Breast tenderness and dizziness may also occur.
  • Taking ECP does not protect against pregnancy during the rest of the cycle.
  • Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used as your regular contraceptive.
  • Emergency Contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
  • EC is less effective at preventing pregnancies than most of the routine birth control method.
  • IUD is not suitable for women with multiple sex partners and those with reproductive tract infection.
  • IUD is not suitable for women with previous Ectopic Pregnancy.
  • Sometimes irregular bleeding associated with IUD insertion may mask diagnosis of early pregnancy.
Adapted from: Emergency Contraception and Brief Update on Regular Contraception. Guide Book for Health-Care Providers, authored by Dr. Suneeta Mittal, Director-in-Charge WHO-CCR in Human Reproduction, AIIMS. 2003.

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