Postcoital Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is not a substitute for other contraceptive methods or abortion but, in fact, is the "emergency" option for women to avoid pregnancy after failure contraception, sexual assault or unprotected sex. Emergency contraception, especially oral progestins such as Plan B, it is recommended that women seeking immediate action to prevent pregnancy. These pills are requested raped and sexually assaulted women as well.

Emergency contraceptive pills are also known as "morning after", "EC" or "postcoital contraception" in medical terms. However, "morning after" does not mean that emergency contraceptive pills to be taken in the morning. It must be taken as prescribed.

Types of methods of emergency contraception:

They are available in all three ways, while two methods are in the form of tablets and another is a device known as the intrauterine device. Two types of progestin-only pills are like Plan B and usually combined contraceptive pills (progestin and estrogen). Intrauterine device is also used as emergency contraception and has offered to women who are allergic to progesterone or progestin pills. IUD is the most widely known small T-shaped plastic device with a string attached to the end. It is inserted into the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A small chain hangs from the IUD into the upper vagina.

How emergency contraception pills work?

Like other oral contraceptives, EC works by stopping ovulation (release said eggs) and prevent sperm from meeting eggs for fertilization, so there is no pregnancy.

When to take emergency contraception?

EC must be taken as soon as unprotected sex has occurred. Progestin-only pills such as Plan B contraceptive pills are available in two tablets. A pill must be taken immediately followed with the next 12 hours apart. Although the EC pills can be taken until five days or 120 hours, however, the progestin pills like Plan B is effective for up to 3 days or 72 hours.

Its effectiveness after unprotected sex can be considered as below.

- 95% effective if taken within 24 hours

- 85% effective if taken between 24 to 48 hours

- 58% from 49 to 72 hours

In this case, more than 72 hours have passed since unprotected sex, so it is strongly recommended to use the IUD (intrauterine device) after consultation with your doctor, because after 72 hours, your birth control pill could be omitted.

Who should get emergency contraception to help:

Well, it is designed for emergency relief to get pregnant. Women can take EC if

- Methods of contraception are not as condom broke or slipped off during intercourse, the ring is removed or diaphragm, cap or protection is removed.

- Women think she had sex during "ovulation days. These are the most important days that the chances of getting pregnant are very high.

- Women are victims of sexual abuse, rape or coerced into unprotected sex.

Being the sensitive time, two important factors determine the effectiveness of emergency contraception and success are those

- How long it takes women after unprotected intercourse has occurred.

- If she has another unprotected sex in the same menstrual cycle.

The above article as general information on requirements and emergency contraception should not be taken as medical advice. If so, please consult your physician or doctor for treatment ..