Women often encounter unexpected situations that cause them severe anxiety, confusion and confusion, including unprotected intercourse that may lead to an unplanned pregnancy. Therefore, emergency contraceptive pills are one of the basic methods that every woman should know about. In this article, Dalili Medical provides you with a comprehensive medical guide about this type of birth control pill and answers questions that may concern you about this topic.

What are emergency contraceptive pills?

 

Emergency contraceptive pills are known as the "morning after pill" because they are usually taken the day after intercourse. These pills aim to prevent unplanned pregnancy in the event of intercourse without using protection, or in the event of a condom tear, or if the birth control pill is not taken on time. These pills work effectively within 72 hours of intercourse, and it is best to take them as soon as possible to ensure their effectiveness.

Are there factors that affect the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills?

 

Being overweight or obese can affect the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills. If you are overweight or obese, it may be worth considering a copper IUD, as it is effective for all women regardless of their weight.

How can I be sure that the emergency contraceptive pill has started working?

 

Combined pills containing estrogen and progestin work immediately to prevent pregnancy if taken during days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle. If taken later, they take 7 days to start working, in which case it is advisable to use an additional method of contraception during this period.

Can emergency contraception be used while breastfeeding?

 

Emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel can be safely taken while breastfeeding. Although a small amount of the hormone may pass into breast milk, it does not pose a risk to the baby. However, it is best to consult your doctor about pills containing other active ingredients such as ulipristal acetate, as you may be advised to stop breastfeeding for a week after taking them.

Can pregnancy occur after taking emergency contraception pills?

 

Although the effectiveness of these pills extends up to 72 hours, they become less effective over time. If taken within 12 to 24 hours, they prevent pregnancy by up to 95%.

When does the menstrual cycle come after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?

 

There is no specific date for the menstrual cycle to come after taking the emergency contraceptive pill. The cycle may be slightly delayed or come early, or it may remain on its usual date. The intensity of the bleeding may also change or remain the same, and the symptoms that precede it may differ slightly. However, if any menstrual irregularity occurs after taking the pill, it is usually temporary and the cycle will return to normal in the next cycle.

Do emergency contraceptive pills cause abortion?

 

No, emergency contraceptive pills do not affect a previously occurring pregnancy, as they do not affect the fertilized egg, but only prevent new fertilization, and therefore do not cause abortion.

**Can emergency contraception be taken while breastfeeding?**

 

Yes, emergency contraception can be used during breastfeeding, but it is preferable to choose the type that contains levonorgestrel. As for ulipristal acetate, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking it while breastfeeding.

**When does emergency contraception pills expire?**

 

Some types of emergency contraception pills may remain effective for up to 5 days. While the effectiveness of other types begins to decrease after 12 hours of taking the last dose. Therefore, it is important to consult your specialist doctor to make sure of this.

**Emergency contraception pills vs. IUD: Which is more effective?**

 

The IUD is more effective than emergency contraception pills in preventing pregnancy, as the rate of pregnancy after its use decreases to less than 1%. However, it must be inserted in the gynecologist's office to ensure that it is placed correctly. Out of every 100 women who use emergency contraception pills, one or two become pregnant within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

**How ​​do emergency contraceptive pills work?**

 

Emergency contraceptive pills work by delaying or preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries, making pregnancy less likely. They can also affect the uterine environment, making it less suitable for a fertilized egg to settle.

Types of emergency contraceptive pills:

Emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel:

This type of pill contains a compound known as levonorgestrel, and can be effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptive pills containing ulipristal acetate: These pills contain a compound called ulipristal acetate, and are effective if taken at the appropriate time after intercourse. Regardless of the type of emergency contraceptive pill you choose, it is important to consult a specialist doctor before using it to ensure safety and effectiveness.

**When should you take the morning-after pill?**

 

For best results, it is best to take all types of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) as soon as possible. Ulipristal acetate is more effective than other types of birth control pills, even when taken 72 to 120 hours after unprotected sex. While levonorgestrel is similarly effective, its effectiveness decreases over time, and it can be used up to five days after exposure. So, if you plan to use this method, it is best to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

**How ​​to use emergency contraception?**

 

Emergency contraception is a temporary method of birth control after unprotected sex or when you are at risk of pregnancy. Here are some tips for using it correctly:

. **Consult your doctor:** It is best to consult your doctorSee your doctor before taking emergency contraceptive pills for advice on the right dose and the ideal time to take them.

. **Take it as soon as possible:** It is recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills as soon as possible after the risk of pregnancy is exposed, as they are more effective when taken early.

Dosage: Take one or two doses, depending on the type of pill. If vomiting occurs, the dose should be repeated as directed.

Repeated use: They can be used several times a month, but should not be considered a substitute for permanent contraception.

With other contraceptive methods: If a woman is using an additional method of contraception, she should continue using it while adhering to the additional instructions included in the package insert.

How effective are emergency contraceptive pills?

 

The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on several factors, including:** Timing:** The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills ranges from 75% to 89%. However, their effectiveness increases the sooner they are taken after sexual intercourse.

**Women's weight:** Studies have shown that the effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced in overweight women (more than 70 kg), and a double dose may be required based on the doctor's recommendation.

**Side effects:** If vomiting occurs within a few hours of taking the pill, it is recommended to take an additional dose to ensure the desired effectiveness.

**How ​​long do birth control pills delay ovulation?**

 

Birth control pills work to delay or prevent ovulation for a period ranging from 5 to 7 days. This gives the sperm in the woman's body enough time to die, as sperm can live in the woman's reproductive system for up to 5 days. However, if the egg has already been released, these pills will not prevent the implantation of the egg or terminate an existing pregnancy.

**When should emergency contraception pills not be used?**

 

Despite the effectiveness of emergency contraception pills, they are not suitable for all women in all cases. They should not be used in the following cases:

- **Allergy:** If the woman is allergic to the components of the pills.

- **Bleeding disorders:** such as unexplained vaginal bleeding.

- **Possible pregnancy:** if a woman suspects she is pregnant.

- **Chronic diseases:** such as severe asthma.

You should also avoid taking these pills with some other medications, such as:

Stomach medications: such as omeprazole.

Medications for chronic diseases: such as epilepsy, HIV, and tuberculosis medications.

Some antibiotics: such as rifampicin.

These medications can interact with the ingredients of emergency contraceptive pills, which may reduce their effectiveness or increase their associated side effects.

When should emergency contraception be used?

 

. Condom failures: Condoms are one of the most commonly used methods of contraception, but they can sometimes tear or slip during sex. In these cases, using emergency contraception can be effective in preventing pregnancy. For example, while Sarah and John were having sex, they discovered that the condom had torn. Concerned about the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy, Sarah decided to go to a nearby pharmacy to get emergency contraception within 72 hours of the incident.

. Forgotten birth control pills: For people who rely on birth control pills for contraception, missing one or more pills can increase the risk of pregnancy. If a pill is missed for more than 24 hours, or if vomiting occurs within two hours of taking it, emergency contraception may be necessary. For example, Emma, ​​who takes her birth control pill every day at 8 p.m., forgot to take it one night because she was busy. When she realized this the next morning, she immediately took emergency contraception as a precaution.

. Sexual assault: In cases of sexual assault or nonconsensual sex, emergency contraception can provide survivors with an option to prevent unwanted pregnancy resulting from these traumatic experiences. It is important for survivors to seek medical care immediately after the assault and to discuss the possibility of emergency contraception with healthcare professionals trained to deal with these situations. Lisa, a survivor of sexual assault, sought medical help within 24 hours and was given emergency contraception to ensure she could control her reproductive choices.

. Failed contraception: Sometimes, even when contraception is used correctly, an unplanned pregnancy can occur. This can happen as a result of contraception failure or interactions with certain medications. In these cases, emergency contraception can serve as a safety net. For example, Mark and Emily were using an IUD as their primary method of contraception, but after Emily experienced severe abdominal pain