Emergency Contraceptive Dose: How many Pills do you take for an Emergency Contraception?
Emergency Contraceptive Dose
Pregnancy can result from a single instance of unprotected intercourse.
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) offer a safeguard against unintended pregnancy, but they should only be utilized in urgent situations, as their effectiveness is time-limited.
When to Use Emergency Contraceptive Dose:
The optimal window for using ECPs is within three days (72 hours) following unprotected sexual activity.
While some medical professionals may prescribe them up to five days later, their efficacy diminishes beyond three days.
The sooner you administer the ECP, the more effective it becomes. Unprotected intercourse encompasses scenarios such as:
- No use of birth control.
- Potential birth control failure, like a broken or slipped condom.
- Issues with contraceptive methods such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, or missed birth control pills.
- Delays in receiving a birth control shot.
- Instances of abuse, sexual assault, or rape without prior reliable birth control use.
It’s worth noting that despite the colloquial term “morning-after pill,” emergency contraception remains effective for up to three days after intercourse and need not be taken exclusively in the morning.
Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Dose:
Statistically, without ECP use, eight out of 100 women who engage in unprotected intercourse once will become pregnant.
By using ECPs, this number reduces to one to three pregnancies.
Emergency contraception should not be viewed as a primary form of birth control.
More dependable contraceptive methods include birth control pills, injections like Depo-Provera, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, or practicing abstinence.
It’s crucial to note that ECPs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and concerns about STIs should be addressed with a healthcare provider.
Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Composition:
ECPs contain hormones akin to those found in birth control pills. Some comprise only one hormone, often referred to as Plan B, while others contain two, known as the Yuzpe method.
Safety of Emergency Contraceptive Dose:
Emergency contraception is considered safe, as it is used for a short duration, resulting in minimal hormone exposure.
The World Health Organization has deemed ECPs extremely safe for preventing pregnancy. Individuals with a history of blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks should opt for Plan B, as it contains only one hormone, progestin.
Emergency Contraception and Pregnancy:
Emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy. It is not an abortion pill.
However, if you discover you are pregnant after taking it, the fetus is not harmed.
Many women have safely used estrogen and progesterone (the hormones in ECPs) in early pregnancy.
In the event of pregnancy, consult a healthcare provider promptly to explore your options.
Potential Side Effects of Emergency Contraception:
The most common side effects of ECPs include nausea and vomiting, particularly with the Yuzpe method.
Medical providers often offer anti-nausea medication when prescribing this form of ECP. If vomiting occurs within an hour of taking the initial dose, additional ECPs may be necessary.
Some women may also experience breast tenderness, bloating, irregular bleeding, and headaches, but these effects are generally short-lived.
Guidelines for Administering Emergency Contraceptive Dose:
Both types of ECPs come in two doses. The first should be taken as soon as possible, with the second dose administered 12 hours later.
The initial dose must be taken within 72 hours (or up to five days as prescribed by a healthcare professional) after unprotected intercourse.
If vomiting occurs within an hour of taking the pills, another dose is recommended.
When provided with anti-nausea pills, do not drive or consume alcohol for 36 hours after the first set of ECPs, as they may induce drowsiness.
Refrain from taking extra birth control pills, as they neither reduce pregnancy risk nor improve well-being.
When Emergency Contraception Is Not Feasible:
If the time frame for ECP use has passed, an intrauterine device (IUD) may reduce pregnancy risk if inserted within seven days of unprotected sex.
Precautions Until the Next Menstrual Period:
ECPs are not a substitute for ongoing birth control methods like pills or injections. If you’re not currently using regular contraception, condoms and foam should be employed during sexual activity.
For those on oral contraceptives (the pill) who have missed some doses, begin a new pill pack the day after taking ECPs, with condoms as an essential STI prevention measure.
For individuals considering starting oral contraceptives or Depo-Provera (the injection), commence after the next menstrual period while still using condoms and foam until then. If your next period deviates slightly in timing, it’s typically not a cause for concern.
However, if it’s significantly delayed beyond three weeks following ECP use, consider a pregnancy test.
Also read: What are the 4 Types of Emergency Contraceptives?
Why Not Rely Solely on Emergency Contraception:
While emergency contraception serves a crucial role, it is not as effective as regular birth control methods like daily pills or contraceptive shots.
Additionally, the use of condoms remains imperative for STI prevention, including HIV/AIDS.
Finding Further Information:
For more information, consult your pediatrician, family doctor, family planning experts, or public health department. In some regions, pharmacists can provide emergency contraception without a prescription.
Online resources like ec.princeton.edu or the Canadian Paediatric Society’s (CPS) position statement on emergency contraception, as prepared by the Adolescent Health Committee, are also valuable sources of information.
