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Emergency Contraceptives |
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Note: Information provided on this page is for reference only, please seek medical assistance when in doubt
Emergency contraceptives are medications or devices used after unprotected sexual intercourse
with a hope of preventing unwanted pregnancy. They are sometime also referred as morning-after pills.
Emergency contraceptives work primarily by preventing ovulation or fertilization. A number
of pills exist including high dose birth control pills, levonorgestrel, mifepristone, ulipristal
and IUDs.
Levonorgestrel pills, when used within 3 days, decrease the chance of pregnancy after a
single episode of unprotected sex or condom failure by about 70% which results in overall pregnancy
rate of about 2.2%.
Ulipristal, when used within 5 days, decreases the chance of pregnancy by about 85% which
results in overall pregnancy rate of about 1.4% and generally considered to be a little more effective
than levonorgestrel.
Mifepristone is also more effective than levonorgestrel while copper IUDs are the most effective
method. IUDs can be inserted up to five days after intercourse and prevents about 99% of pregnancies
after an episode of unprotected sex which results in overall pregnancy rate of about 0.1 to 0.2% which
simply makes it the most effective form of emergency contraceptive.
In those who are overweight or obese levonorgestrel is less effective and an IUD or ulipristal
is generally recommended.
Emergency contraceptive pills do not affect rate of sexually transmitted infections, and should
be used as a method for birth control only. To prevent sexually transmitted infections use of condom is
generally recommended.
An alternative to emergency contraceptive pills is the copper-T intrauterine device (IUD) which
can be used up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Insertion of an IUD is more
effective than use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills. Pregnancy rates when used as emergency contraception
are the same as with normal IUD use. IUDs may be left in place following the subsequent menstruation to
provide ongoing contraception usually for 3 to 10 years depending upon type used
If a woman's menstrual period is delayed by two weeks or more even after consuming emergency
contraceptive pills, it is advised that she take a pregnancy test
Note: Emergency contraceptives do have some side effects.
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