Before You Pop The Morning-After Pill, Check 6 Must- Knows About Emergency Contraception

To many, the thought of an unplanned pregnancy may be daunting and results in a rush for a solution when a method of contraception fails or isn't used. Emergency contraception (EC), which is commonly known as the "morning-after pill," is a backup option that can keep one from getting pregnant after sex without protection. It is most important in scenarios where normal birth control wasn't employed or has failed i.e., the breaking of a condom- or rape.

If you ever need EC, responding quickly is essential, and calling a healthcare provider can sort out the best solution for your circumstances. For people who have repeated pregnancy scares, talking to their healthcare provider about using a more dependable form of birth control may save them worry and offer constant protection against unplanned pregnancy.

With greater awareness about reproductive health, educating yourself and others on emergency contraception is important because knowledge of your choices is the beginning of taking charge of your reproductive life.

Although it is available and effective, emergency contraception is filled with myths and misconceptions. What one should note is that EC is not used to replace birth control but to serve as a safety net during emergencies. Six key facts regarding emergency contraception that every woman needs to know are listed below.

1. Emergency Contraception Does Not Work If You Are Already Pregnant

The most notable misconception regarding emergency contraception is its effect. EC does not end a pregnancy that has already been established. Rather, it prevents ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. This implies that if fertilization and implantation have already taken place, EC will be ineffective.

Other forms of EC are hormonal pills—like Plan B One-Step® and ella®—and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). If you suspect you might already be pregnant, it is best to take a pregnancy test first before using emergency contraception.

2. The Copper IUD Is the Most Effective Emergency Contraception Option

Most individuals believe that emergency contraception is only available in pill form, but the most effective form is the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The copper IUD can be inserted within five days of unprotected sex and is more than 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. In contrast to emergency contraceptive pills, which become less effective the longer you wait, the copper IUD is very effective even when inserted near the five-day deadline.

Besides its use in emergency situations, the copper IUD also provides long-term contraception, with protection for as long as 10 years. This makes it a great choice for those who want an immediate and a long-term solution to birth control.

3. Time Is Critical: The Sooner You Act, the More Effective It Is

In the case of emergency contraceptive pills, timing is critical. The majority of EC pills are most effective when taken as soon as one can after having unprotected sex. There are two primary types:

Levonorgestrel-based pills (such as Plan B One-Step®): These are over-the-counter and are best taken within 72 hours but can still be effective up to five days after.

Ulipristal acetate pills (e.g., ella®): This prescription-only medication can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex and is more effective than levonorgestrel pills, particularly towards the latter end of the five-day time period.

Whichever type is used, the sooner the pill is taken, the greater the likelihood of preventing pregnancy.

4. Emergency Contraceptive Pills Are Not a Substitute for Regular Birth Control

Although EC is an important tool in averting unplanned pregnancy, it must not be employed as a routine means of birth control. Emergency contraceptive pills are far less effective compared to daily birth control pills, IUDs, or implants. Repeated use of EC may also result in menstrual abnormalities and side effects like nausea, pelvic pain, and lethargy.

If you're always using EC, it might be time to talk to a doctor about a more reliable and long-term method of birth control. A healthcare provider can advise you on the best long-term option for your life and needs.

5. If You Vomit Shortly After You Take the Pill, It Will Not Work

One little-known but essential fact about emergency contraceptive pills is that vomiting soon after taking them can make them useless. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, your body may not have absorbed sufficient medication. You might need to take another dose or explore other forms of emergency contraception, including the copper IUD.

If you have frequent nausea, taking anti-nausea medication before or using another form of EC could be more suitable.

6. Emergency Contraception Provides No Long-Term Protection

Taking an emergency contraceptive pill will not protect you from pregnancy after that one episode of unprotected sex. If you have unprotected intercourse again after using EC, you are still at risk of pregnancy. EC also temporarily decreases the effectiveness of some hormonal birth control methods, like the pill, for the rest of the cycle.

If you use EC, talk to a healthcare provider about whether you will need to continue using backup contraception (such as condoms) during the next few days or weeks to maintain pregnancy protection.

Emergency contraception is an important choice for avoiding pregnancy in an unplanned situation but is not a form of birth control. Knowing how EC works, its limitations, and the best alternatives available can allow people to make good choices about their reproductive health.