Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Contraceptive Pill

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Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when regular contraception fails. They are useful as a backup option, but they are not meant to replace regular contraception.

There is also a lot of confusion about how these pills work, when to take them, and what side effects they may cause. Understanding these points can help you make an informed decision about emergency contraception.

What is an Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

An emergency contraceptive pill, often called a morning-after pill, is taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

ECPs are different from regular birth control pills. They are used after a contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse and are not intended to be the main method of contraception.

How Do Emergency Contraceptive Pills Work?

Emergency contraceptive pills mainly work by preventing or delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary.

If ovulation is delayed or prevented, sperm are less likely to fertilize an egg.

ECPs do not cause an abortion and cannot end an established pregnancy. They work before pregnancy occurs and do not interrupt an existing pregnancy.

Types of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

The two main types of emergency contraceptive pills are:

Availability and prescription requirements can vary by country and local regulations.

When to Use Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Take emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner it is used, the better the chance of preventing pregnancy.

Do not wait until the last day if emergency contraception is needed.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on the type of method, how soon it is used and where the person is in the menstrual cycle.

Ulipristal acetate is generally more effective than levonorgestrel when emergency contraception is taken 72–120 hours after unprotected sex.

A copper IUD is more than 99% effective when inserted within 120 hours and is the most effective form of emergency contraception.

No emergency contraceptive method is 100% effective.

ECPs also do not protect against pregnancy from unprotected sex that happens after taking the pill. Use condoms or another reliable contraceptive method for future sexual activity.

Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Most side effects are mild and temporary. They usually settle without treatment.

Common side effects may include:

If you vomit within about 3 hours of taking an emergency contraceptive pill, you may need another dose. Contact a healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice.

If side effects are severe or do not settle, speak with a healthcare professional.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills in India

Emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel are widely available in India, including without a prescription in many settings. Availability and dispensing rules can vary.

Examples of brands available in India may include i-Pill and other levonorgestrel-containing products.

The active ingredient matters more than the brand name, so check the medicine label and follow the recommended dose.

Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are still important when STI protection is needed.

Alternatives to Emergency Contraceptive Pills

ECPs are not the only form of emergency contraception.

Copper IUD

A copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted by a trained healthcare professional within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

It is the most effective emergency contraceptive method, with effectiveness above 99%, and it can continue to provide contraception after insertion.

Regular Contraceptive Methods

After using emergency contraception, you can discuss a regular birth control method with a healthcare professional. Options may include:

The best option depends on your health, preferences and contraception needs.

Methods of Emergency Contraception

There are several emergency contraception options, including:

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

ECPs are oral medicines taken after unprotected sex to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

The two commonly used options are:

Ulipristal acetate and levonorgestrel should not be treated as identical medicines. They have different instructions for starting or restarting hormonal contraception.

Copper IUD

A copper IUD is a small, T-shaped device that a trained healthcare professional places inside the uterus.

When used as emergency contraception, it should be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. It can then continue to provide long-term contraception. Depending on the product, a copper IUD can remain effective for many years.

Using an Emergency Contraception Calculator

An emergency contraception calculator can provide general guidance based on information such as:

A calculator should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. It may not account for factors such as the type of emergency contraceptive used, medicines you take, your medical history or whether ovulation has already occurred.

If you need emergency contraception, do not delay taking appropriate action while waiting to use a calculator.

What to Do After Taking Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception only helps with the sexual activity that occurred before it was taken.

It does not provide ongoing protection for the rest of the menstrual cycle.

After taking:

Take a pregnancy test if you do not get your expected period or if you have not had a withdrawal bleed within 3 weeks after taking emergency contraception.

Emergency Contraception vs Regular Birth Control

Regular contraception is used before and during sexual activity to prevent pregnancy on an ongoing basis. Examples include condoms, birth control pills, implants, injections and IUDs.

Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

If you need emergency contraception more than once, it does not mean that it is unsafe to use again. However, a regular contraceptive method may provide more reliable ongoing protection and may be more convenient.

A healthcare professional can help you choose a method that fits your needs.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Speak with a healthcare professional if:

Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. If there is a risk of STI exposure, consider testing and medical advice.

Conclusion

Emergency contraceptive pills are a useful backup option after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate are two commonly used types, and they work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation.

The pill should be taken as soon as possible and ulipristal acetate can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex. A copper IUD is another option and is the most effective form of emergency contraception.

ECPs do not cause abortion, do not protect against STIs and do not provide ongoing contraception. If you have questions about emergency contraception or regular birth control, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.