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.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that cannot be treated clinically and people with diabetes receive lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and keep their blood sugar under control. However, with the joint efforts of researchers all over the world and countless studies, trials for a new drug have begun in the UK.

Right now, about 4.6 million people in the UK have diabetes, and over 270,000 of them have Type 1. Since there isn't a cure for Type 1 diabetes yet, most people need to take insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels normal and avoid serious health problems. As you may know, insulin is a hormone responsible for turning food into energy by essentially breaking down the sugar to make it glucose.

This new drug, Teplizumab, can change the way we deal with type 1 diabetes. Instead of taking long-term treatment measures, the success of this trial could mean potentially finding a cure in the future. This treatment is happening at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and it's getting help from a group called the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR). This is a big step forward because it might help people put off getting full-blown Type 1 diabetes.

Hannah Robinson: The First Adult Patient in the UK

Hannah Robinson, who is a dentist and a mom of two from Devon, is the first adult in the UK to try this new treatment. She found out during her pregnancy that she was starting to develop Type 1 diabetes. Familiar with the challenges of living with diabetes, Hannah hopes that taking this drug could mean she won't need to take daily insulin shots for up to three years longer than she would have otherwise. This would give her more freedom and control over her health.

Hannah, who is 36, said: "I've learned a lot about Type 1 diabetes since I was diagnosed and what it means for my future. For me, this new drug gives me more freedom and a chance to focus on my health before I have to change my life and manage things as someone who needs daily insulin. It's not just about what I eat or checking my sugar; it's also about feeling more in control and not letting my condition define me. This treatment could even lead to a cure for Type 1 diabetes, which is amazing. I feel very lucky to be part of this."

What is Type 1 Diabetes and How Teplizumab Helps

With Type 1 diabetes, your body's immune system attacks and destroys special cells in your pancreas called beta cells. These beta cells are very important because they make insulin, which helps control your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is too high or too low, it can cause serious health problems.

The new drug, Teplizumab, works by teaching your immune system to stop attacking these beta cells. By doing this, it can delay you needing insulin by up to three years. But it's very important that the drug is given very early on, before the disease has gotten too far along. Teplizumab is already approved in the USA. Hannah is the first adult in the UK to get this treatment, though a small number of children and young people here have already received it in its early stages.

Early Intervention is Key

Experts are saying that Teplizumab works best when it's given very early on, even before someone officially gets diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes based on high blood sugar. Dr. Nick Thomas, a top diabetes specialist at the University of Exeter, explained that this new treatment is a huge step forward. It allows doctors to step in early and change what the immune system is doing. The goal is to slow down how quickly people will need to start taking insulin.

The research happening at the Royal Devon and the University of Exeter are using things like genetics and other tests to find people who are at a high risk of getting Type 1 diabetes. This smart approach means that more people could potentially get the drug early and delay the start of the disease.

Insulin Free Future for Type-1 Diabetes Patients

Researchers involved in the study explain that trials like these can lead to many patients having some extra insulin free years. Their ultimate goal is a future where these types of immune-system treatments become the first line of defense against Type 1 diabetes, tackling the root cause of the problem. Hopefully, in the future, early treatment could even stop some people from ever needing insulin at all.

Ever wondered what makes someone "cool"? A new international study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology suggests that no matter where you live, "cool" people often act in similar ways.

Researchers from universities in Chile, the United States, and other countries found that people considered "cool" share six key personality traits. These traits were consistent across all 12 countries included in the study, which surveyed nearly 6,000 people from 2018 to 2022. Countries included Australia, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

Six Common Traits of "Cool" People

These traits were found to be consistent regardless of a person's age, gender, or education level. The study, identified the following traits in people seen as cool:

• Extroverted
• Pleasure-seekers (hedonistic)
• Powerful
• Adventurous
• Open to new experiences
• Independent

Coolness vs. Goodness

Interestingly, being a "good" person was linked to different traits, such as being calm, kind, warm, traditional, and secure. People who were seen as capable often had qualities that made them seem both cool and good.

Researchers explained that these "cool" traits are likely part of someone's core personality and aren't easily taught. Another lead researcher noted that while cool people are usually somewhat likable, their traits don't always mean they are morally "good," especially when considering being hedonistic and powerful.

Deeper Meaning of "Cool"

Reviewing the study's findings, researchers noted that "coolness" can have both positive and negative meanings in real life. They suggested that future research could explore the differences between "good coolness" and "bad coolness."

Researchers also pointed out that their study only included people who already understood the term "cool." It's not clear if people in very traditional or isolated cultures would view the same traits as admirable.

They emphasized that "cool" is a deeply embedded part of our social language. It acts as a quick way to understand someone's status, connections, and identity, especially in today's social media and influencer culture. Understanding "coolness" helps us see how quick judgments about traits influence behavior and social interactions.

Many of these personality traits have also been found to be genetic, so the question arises, are we born with these traits?

Is Human Personality Genetic?

In a 2020 study published in the Genes, Brain, and Behavior journal, researchers explained that our personality traits are simply the lasting ways we tend to think, feel, and act in different situations. Studies of twins and families show that our personality traits are partly inherited from our parents.

This means our genes play a role in shaping who we become. These traits can even give clues about future mental health conditions. What these genetic studies of personality have shown is that personality, like many brain-related diseases, is influenced by many genes working together (this is called being polygenic).

Five-Personality Traits That Are Connected To Genes

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) published a study in 2024 Nature Human Behavior where they found several DNA spots linked to specific personality traits. Researchers used information from a large program called the Million Veteran Program. They looked at people's genes to find tiny differences, called "loci," that are connected to the "Big Five" personality traits

Extraversion: How outgoing you are.

Openness: How open you are to new experiences.

Agreeableness: How well you get along with others.

Neuroticism: How prone you are to negative feelings like worry or sadness.

Conscientiousness: How organized and disciplined you are.

The "Big Five" traits are a common way scientists measure personality. In this study, participants answered questions about their personality and also gave a blood sample for genetic testing.

By comparing their answers to their DNA, the team found 62 new genetic spots linked to neuroticism. They also found genetic spots for agreeableness for the very first time. When they combined all their results, they identified over 200 genetic spots across all five personality traits.

The team also looked at the genetic connections between personality traits and various mental health conditions. They found a strong overlap between neuroticism (a personality trait with a lot of negative feelings) and depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, people who scored high in agreeableness (meaning they tend to get along well with others) were less likely to experience these conditions. These links were already known, but this study provides new genetic proof.

With each research on such topics, we come one step forward to finding better answers and treatments for mental health conditions.

What most people dismiss as a routine sore throat could, in rare cases, signal something far more serious. Someone I know from very up close told me about her persistent throat infection; she complained of a severe sore throat. The weather is such that the first guess for all of us was a viral infection or a cold.

However, the sore throat persisted and did not go away. Like all of us do, she too searched it up on Google, and it showed signs of a spleen injury. Like most, she too ignored what Google said, thinking that internet diagnosis is often far-fetched. Until she felt an excruciating pain in her chest, abdomen, and throat, and felt like she could not breathe anymore. She had her friend call 9-1-1, and was finally taken to the ER, where she was told that it was a virus that caused her throat to be sore and enlarged her spleen, leading to a spleen rupture. She was taken to the surgery immediately, as the rupture had caused much internal bleeding. When she came out of the surgery, the doctors had informed her that she was lucky to come out of a "life-threatening surgery".

When I was told all this, all I wondered was, how could such a common cold symptom that we usually take so lightly, lead to something so serious?

I knew what I had to do, to speak to doctors and know more about it, so more people can know about it and detect it before it is too late.

The Kissing Disease: What Causes A Sore Throat To Attack the Spleen?

This condition could be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus—infectious mononucleosis or “mono”, which can present as a seemingly harmless illness, only to later escalate into complications like spleen rupture.

“It’s not uncommon to brush off a sore throat with home remedies and over-the-counter pills,” said Dr. Anirban Chattopadhyay, a critical care specialist at CMRI, Kolkata. “But if the sore throat persists for more than a week and comes with high fever, swollen glands, and overwhelming tiredness, one should start considering possibilities beyond a regular viral infection.”

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, spreads through saliva, which is why it’s nicknamed the “kissing disease.” Though often self-limiting, it is important to recognise its red flags early.

Splenomegaly And Its Rare, But Serious Outcome

One of mono’s lesser-known dangers is splenomegaly—or an enlarged spleen. This swelling, which occurs as the immune system fights the Epstein-Barr virus, can make the spleen fragile and susceptible to rupture. A rupture, though rare (affecting less than 1% of cases), is life-threatening.

Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant in Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru explained, “The spleen helps filter blood and fight infections. During mono, it gets flooded with infection-fighting cells, which causes it to swell. While a swollen spleen is common in mono, rupture is thankfully very rare. But when it does occur, it’s a medical emergency.”

The danger is compounded by the fact that such a rupture can happen even without trauma. “A simple bump or strain during sports or exercise can cause it. That’s why we recommend patients avoid contact sports or any strenuous activity for at least three to four weeks during recovery,” she added.

How To Connect Sore Throat To Spleen Risk? Signs To Look Out For

Both Dr. Chattopadhyay and Dr. Rajagopal stressed that the challenge lies in linking everyday symptoms to a more serious underlying condition, especially in the absence of injury.

“If a patient has a sore throat that doesn’t improve over time and comes with deep fatigue, body aches, and pain in the upper left side of the abdomen, we start suspecting mono,” said Dr. Chattopadhyay. “That’s when we order diagnostic tests like a Monospot or white blood cell count, and sometimes imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan to check the spleen.”

According to Dr. Rajagopal, “Sudden sharp pain in the upper left belly or shoulder can be a red flag. Even without trauma, this could point to spleen involvement. Timely testing can prevent complications.”

Recovery And Caution Go Hand In Hand

For those diagnosed with mono, the recovery is generally supportive—rest, fluids, and time. However, the spleen remains a point of concern for a few weeks even after the fever subsides.

“Patients should not rush back into normal routines. Even after feeling better, the spleen can remain enlarged and vulnerable,” warned Dr. Rajagopal. “Follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure it returns to its normal size.”

Dr. Chattopadhyay added, “The advice is simple but critical—listen to your body. If symptoms change or worsen, especially with sudden pain or dizziness, seek help immediately.”

What begins as a sore throat may not always end there. While complications like spleen rupture are rare, the condition that causes them is not. “Mono isn’t uncommon,” said Dr. Rajagopal. “But ignoring the signs can turn a manageable illness into a dangerous one.”

So next time that cold lingers longer than it should—or feels strangely exhausting—it might be time to pay closer attention.