Almost every person in the world has heard of emergency contraception and knows that it is one of the ways a woman can prevent getting pregnant after having unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is otherwise known as the morning-after pill. However, people may not know that these pills are hormone pills. People should also know that there is no one type of these pills nut various types. A certain type known as levnorgestrel has been used by women for a long period of time. However, women need to know that they need to take the pill within the 72 hours after having unprotected sex in order for the pill to work. There is another type known as ulipristal acetate and it is pretty new on the market. According to the experts, this pill can be taken up to five days after having unprotected sex.
How does the pill work?
According to the experts, levonorgestrel works by giving high doses of certain hormones known as estrogen and progesterone in order for the pregnancy to be prevented. There is no one number of pills that women need to take and the type of the pills will determine that. It is important that the first dose is taken within the 72 hours after having unprotected sex. The second dose is usually taken 12 hours after the first one. A woman who wants to avoid getting pregnant should take the pill right after the sexual intercourse. On the other hand, ulipristal acetate works by delaying ovulation and helps in prevention of implantation.
How well does it work?
There is almost not a pill that works 100% in all cases but only one or two women out of 100 will get pregnant even if they take the pill after the intercourse. According to the experts, emergency contraception is the only type of contraception method that a woman can use after having unprotected intercourse.
Protection against sexually transmitted diseases
People need to know that emergency contraception does not protect them from STD’s and that using a condom is highly important. The only sure way to prevent STD’s and pregnancy is abstinence.
Possible side effects
Just like with almost all other pills, there are some side effects that may occur when a woman uses emergency contraception pills. Some of the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and fatigue. In most cases the side effects are not serious and usually go away after 48 hours.
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