How does Emergency contraception work?

How does Emergency contraception work

Emergency contraception is done via various methods. The most commonly used way to prevent pregnancy is through pills. Emergency contraceptive pills are basically pregnancy blockers. With the use of hormonal medicines, the release of the egg in a female called the process of ovulation can be delayed. The same hormones that are used in birth control medicines are also used in EC pills. In case the implantation or the fusion of the fertilized egg to the lining of the uterine wall has already occurred, consuming the contraceptive pills will be of no use. The ideal time to consume a pill is 12 hours.

It also works in the prevention of pregnancy if consumed up to 72 hours post unprotected sex. The medicine helps in the temporary release of the ovarian egg, thereby stopping fertilisation. In short, it stops the female from becoming pregnant. Although, it has also been seen that sometimes the pills don’t work.  Women have reportedly become pregnant even after taking the pill within 72 hours of intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills are not to be confused with abortion pills. These pills do not cause abortions. It should also be noted that by getting Emergency contraceptive services STDs cannot be prevented. Even if the couple is using other birth control methods, it is highly advisable to use a condom and practice safe sex. Nausea, vomiting, and headaches are some of the common side effects of using pills. These are however minor and fade away in a few days. But the menstrual cycle is temporarily affected and the periods may be irregular and more painful for some time. Emergency contraception pills are over the counter (OTC) drugs and can be purchased without a prescription. Levonelle works for 3 days and ellaOne works for 5 days after having unprotected sex. After the consumption of the contraceptive pills if the woman feels any of the following symptoms she must immediately contact a doctor. Symptoms include fever or chills, pain in the belly or pelvis, long term heavy vaginal bleeding, or change in the colour and smell of the vaginal discharge. Another emergency contraception service offered is IUD or coil, which is short for the intrauterine device. IUD can be fixed up to 5 days of unprotected sex. IUD is more effective than the pill and less than 0.1% of women who have the IUD fitted get pregnant. Girls who even under the age of 16 can get the contraceptive pills for free from contraception clinics, pharmacies, few accident and emergency departments, young people’s clinics, GP surgeries, GUM clinics (genitourinary medicine) and most NHS centres.