Emergency Contraceptive Pills/आपतकालीन गर्भनिरोधक गोलियां

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

 If you are worried about becomingpregnant after sex or your method of contraception has failed you mayconsider taking emergency contraception.

In this video we'll explain whatemergency contraception is, the different types available and how to know if it'sright for you.

Emergency contraception can be taken soon after unprotectedsexual intercourse or when your method of contraception has failed in order toprevent unwanted pregnancy.

You can get it from most pharmacies, your GP or yourlocal sexual health clinic.

You will be asked a series of questions about yourphysical and sexual health to help determine which one is best for you.

There are currently two forms availablethe morning after pill and the intrauterine device, or IUD, morning afterpill there are two kinds available: levonorgestrel, also known as Levonelle, land ulipristal,

Both work by delaying ovulation andpreventing implantation of an egg into the womb.

Levonorgestrel is aprogesterone hormone which acts from the ovaries to delay ovulation and thins thewomb lining to stop an egg from implanting.

It's most effective whentaken within three days of sexual intercourse.

It's safe to use in mostwomen with pregnancy occurring in 5-in-100 women who use it the sooner it'staken the better as it has been shown to be less effective

the later you leave it.Ulipristal works in the same way but has been shown to be more effective thanlevonorgestrel, with pregnancy occurring in 2-in-100 women.

It can betaken within five days of sexual intercourse and is more suitable if youare later in deciding to take the pill but like levonorgestrel it's moreeffectively earlier is taken.

There are no serious short or long-term sideeffects, however you may feel sick or have a headache.

This is usuallyshort-lived and will go within a few days.

You may also find that your nextperiod is earlier, later or more painful than expected.

Speak to your doctor ifit's delayed by more than seven days is shorter or lighter than usual or if youthink you have an infection.

The IUD is a small plastic and coppercoil that sits in the uterus.

It stops eggs from being fertilized by sperm, aswell as preventing implantation in the womb.

It's a very reliable and highlyeffective form of emergency contraception with pregnancy occurringin about 1-in-1,000 women after use.

It can be inserted up to five days aftersexual intercourse and can be used as a regular contraceptive unlike themorning-after pill.

It lasts for five to ten years and you won't have to worryabout it once it's inserted.

The risks of having an IUD fitted include developinga small hole or perforation in the uterus.

Infection within the first fewweeks or your periods may become heavier or more painful.

The doctor or nursewill discuss these risks with you before it is inserted you will also need tohave a follow-up appointment in three to six weeks to make sure

Emergency contraception is not the sameas abortion it is preventing a pregnancy from happening rather than stopping onethat has started to grow.

It's also important to know that emergencycontraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so if indoubt, seek medical help as soon as possible.

If you want to continue havingsex you'll be advised to use additional protection and will be offered condomsin the clinic should you want them.

If you would like more information onemergency contraception visit the Unity website or speak to your GP or yourlocal sexual health centre.

emergencycontraceptive, women should contact their health care provider as a repeat dose maybe needed.

Other short-term side effects include irregularbleeding or spotting, headache, breast tenderness or stomach pain.

Studies have shown that levonorgestrel emergencycontraception use does not increase risk to the developing fetus in women who may notyet know that they are pregnant.

However, the emergency contraceptive pill should notbe used by a woman if she knows that she is pregnant.

Women who cannot use combined birth controlpills because of medical conditions such as migraines, heart or liver conditions, or breastfeedingcan still safely use emergency contraception, as it is just

However,it is best to check with your doctor first.

Using the emergency contraceptive pill ona regular basis for long-term birth control is not a good idea: it can be costly and inconvenient,is not as effective as other options

for birth control, it may expose the woman to highertotal levels of hormones, and it may lead to continued side effects, such as irregularperiods.

However, if unprotected sex should reoccur,even within the same cycle, it is safe to use the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptivepill again if needed.

A health care provider should be contacted as soon as possible sothat a regular form of birth control can be initiated for ongoing use.

Thank you for joining us at Drugs.com fora brief review of emergency contraceptives.

Please refer to our patient and professionalinformation, drug interaction checker, and additional tools on Drugs.com.

Patients with a concern about the use of EmergencyContraception should consult with their health care provider.