Emergency Contraception | The Comprehensive Guide

How much do you know about emergency contraception? How effective are they, when can you take them, and what are some of the side effects expected after using them?

Here’s a comprehensive guide into the world of emergency contraceptives.

What is Emergency Contraception?

In the simplest terms, these are the various contraception methods used to prevent pregnancies after intercourse. Ideally, most emergency contraceptives are recommended for a period of not more than five days after sexual intercourse.

However, they are more effective, the sooner they are taken.

While widely used after unprotected sex, emergency contraceptives can also be used in other forms of contraceptives fail. For example, if you’re on pills and miss a dose, or if a condom bursts during intercourse, you can turn to the emergency contraception.

There are two types of emergency contraception.

These are:

• The Intrauterine Device (IUD) also known as a coil.

• The emergency contraceptive pill – EllaOne or Levonelle. The emergency contraceptive pill is popularly referred to as the ‘morning after’ pill.

Facts About Emergency Contraception

The truth is, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the world of contraceptives. These myths can deter most women from using contraceptives altogether or even lead to improver and ineffective use.

Here are some of the facts you need to know about using emergency contraception.

• Taking an emergency contraceptive pill can sometimes distort your period cycle, either making them a little earlier or later.

• While both the pill and the intrauterine device are highly effective, the IUD’s success rate is most impressive, with less than 1% of the women who use it end up getting pregnant.

• While the IUD is used as an emergency contraceptive, it can also be left in and used as a regular contraception method.

• The IUD can be placed up to 5 days from when you had the unprotected intercourse act and still be effective. However, it is important to note the earlier the IUD is fitted, the higher its chances of working.

• If you vomit within two hours of taking the morning-after pill, you should have another dose, or double down by getting an intrauterine device fitted.

• The IUD fitting procedure can be uncomfortable and painful at times, but you can use painkillers to numb the pain.

• Both the morning after and IUD are types of emergency contraception. They, however, do not cause an abortion, only prevent one from taking place.

• Both the intrauterine device and the pill have little to no side effects when properly used.

• The morning after pill can sometimes lead to head and stomach aches and can leave you feeling like you’re sick.

How The Emergency Contraception Pill Work?

Let’s have a look at how the ellaOne or Levonelle works:

Levonelle

Levonelle contains a synthetic hormone known as levonorgestrel. This synthetic hormone is similar to the natural hormone produced in the ovaries known as progesterone. When you take Levonelle, it delays or halts the ovulation process.

For maximum efficiency, the pill should be taken within 72 hours from the time of unprotected sex. One of the benefits of levonelle is it does not interfere with other contraception methods.

EllaOne

EllaOne has ulipristal acetate, which is known to distort the regular working of progesterone. Similarly to levonelle, this also delays or halts the releasing of the egg.

Unlike levonelle, however, you can take ellaOne within 120 hours from the time of unprotected sex.

A key point to note is both ellaOne and Levonelle don’t continue to protect you. If you still have unprotected sex after taking either of the pills, there’s still a chance of getting pregnant.

Additionally, these pills are meant to be used only in the case of an emergency and not on a regular basis.

In some of these cases, as seen in various research efforts, women who used emergency contraceptives on a regular basis were more prone to experiencing adverse side effects.

Additionally, the effectiveness of the morning after pills was found to reduce significantly when improperly used or abused, even just by regular use.

Side Effects Associated With Emergency Contraception

As mentioned above, there are little to no side effects from the use of emergency contraception in the right and recommended way.

However, based on a variety of additional factors, some people do experience some side effects from the use of the morning after.

Some of these side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Moreover, as established above, EC pills can also affect your menstrual cycle. The period is usually a week long. Meaning your periods would either be a week early or a week late.

How To prevent Side Effects While Using Emergency Contraception?

If you have any concerns about the side effects, you can talk to the pharmacist as you purchase the pills. You can get an additional painkiller to help ease any headaches or body pain.

If you do get dizzy after taking the morning-after pill, you can lie down as this will prevent you from vomiting. And remember, if you vomit within a couple of hours, you likely need to take another dose.

It is essential to seek medical attention if any signs of discomfort persist or are worse than expected.

Things To Remember When Using Emergency Contraception

• No Guaranteed Protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections: Both the morning after pill and the IUD are meant to be used post unprotected sexual intercourse. As a result, they will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

If you suspect to have an STI, you should consult a medical professional for advice.

• Emergency contraceptives are not a guaranteed success: While they are highly recommended -and rightly so, ECs are not always a guaranteed success.

What you need to remember is a chunk of their effectiveness is pegged on you. While there’s a three to a five-day window of the emergency contraceptives working efficiently, you should try and get them soon after the sexual encounter.

This will increase their impact and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

• Emergency contraceptives should not be used on a regular basis: Another key reminder is emergency contraception should not be your usual go-to method of contraception. If you find yourself having regular unprotected sex, you should look for a safe and effective contraceptive plan.

When To Seek Medical Intervention?

The morning-after pill is generally safe, and serious complications are rare.

Most side effects, including mild nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, and changes in menstrual bleeding, are temporary and resolve without medical treatment.

However, certain symptoms may require medical attention, especially if they are severe, persistent, or worsen over time.

You should contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

• Severe breast pain or tenderness: Mild breast tenderness is a possible side effect of emergency contraception. However, excessive or persistent discomfort should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

• Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: While mild nausea is common, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may require medical attention.

• Vomiting shortly after taking the morning-after pill: If you vomit within two hours of taking levonorgestrel (Plan B) or three hours of taking ulipristal acetate (Ella), contact a pharmacist or healthcare professional promptly, as another dose may be necessary.

• Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding: Light spotting and menstrual irregularities can occur after emergency contraception. However, unusually heavy or persistent bleeding should be evaluated.

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain: Sudden, intense, or persistent lower abdominal pain requires prompt medical evaluation, particularly if accompanied by vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or fainting. These symptoms may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent medical attention.

• Unusual bleeding after IUD insertion: Mild cramping and spotting are common after a copper intrauterine device (IUD) is fitted for emergency contraception. However, heavy bleeding, increasing pelvic pain, fever, or unusual vaginal discharge may indicate a complication and require prompt medical evaluation.

• A missed or unusually late menstrual period: If your period is more than seven days late or significantly different from normal, take a pregnancy test. Testing three weeks after unprotected intercourse is recommended to confirm whether pregnancy has occurred.

If you have concerns about your symptoms, the effectiveness of emergency contraception, or a possible pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider for appropriate medical advice and support.

Wrapping Up

Emergency contraception is an important form of contraception for those who may have forgotten or in cases where the standard forms of contraception may have failed.

It can be a useful tool to provide couples with peace of mind and help them plan their family accordingly.

Women should talk with their healthcare professional if they are considering using emergency contraception to determine whether it is the best option for them.

While there are some potential side effects, talking with a doctor can help alleviate these worries and make sure that the method chosen is safe for both parties involved.

Contact us if you need help.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center | Abortion Clinic Orlando | Abortion Clinic Tampa