Dealing With an Unplanned Emergency with Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Have you ever had to deal with a last-minute emergency to try and avoid an unwanted pregnancy? Many of my patients have, and I can tell you it is not an easy experience. That’s why emergency contraceptive pills are important, providing a safety net when other methods fail or aren’t used.
As someone who has gone through it, I can understand how confusing and anxiety-provoking the subject can be. Questions such as “How do they work?”, “Where can I get them?” and “What about side effects?” often occupy the mind when someone decides to access emergency contraception.
That is a lot to process, particularly when time is confusing. This is why I’m here to unlock emergency contraceptive pills for you based on what I learned as well as my experiences as a medical doctor.
I, Dr. Seema Gupta, bring you a comprehensive blog post on emergency contraceptive pills. We’ll cover emergency contraceptive pill composition, emergency contraceptive pill dosage, emergency contraceptive pill uses, emergency contraceptive pill names, where to get them, and what to expect after. I’ll also discuss potential side effects, effects of emergency contraceptive pills on periods, and side effects of emergency contraceptive pills in the future.
So, let’s get started.
What Are Emergency Contraceptive Pills?
Definition and Purpose
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are an important option for preventing unwanted pregnancy (UP) after unprotected physical relations or contraceptive failure. These pills work by being taken as soon as possible after the incident, usually within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the pill type. ECPs work primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation, reducing the chances of fertilization.
Types of Emergency Contraception
There are two main categories of emergency contraceptive pills:
- Progestin-only pills (POPs)
- Estrogen-progestin combo pills
Emergency Contraceptive Pill types –
| Type | Active Ingredient | Effectiveness | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progestin-only | Levonorgestrel | Up to 89% | 72 hours |
| Combined | Levonorgestrel + Ethinyl estradiol | Up to 75% | Within 120 hours |
There is also a non-hormonal option, the copper IUD, which can be placed as emergency contraception for up to five days after unprotected intercourse.
Read more, Discover How Soon Will a Pregnancy Test Read Positive
How They Work in the Body – Emergency Contraceptive Pill Mechanism of Action
Emergency contraceptive pills work mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation. Here’s how ECPs function:
- Delay or inhibit ovulation
- Cause cervical mucus to thicken and slow down sperm movement
- Change the uterine lining so the egg cannot implant (secondary mechanism, not primary mechanism)
It’s important to know that ECPs do not end an existing pregnancy. They prevent fertilization or implantation from occurring.
Effectiveness Rates
The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills depends on a few factors:
- Type of ECP used
- Timing of administration
- Body weight
- Menstrual cycle stage
In general, the sooner you take the pill after having an unprotected physical relationship, the better it works.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill Effectiveness
- Progestin-only ECPs: Up to 89% effective if taken within 72 hours
- Combined ECPs: Up to 75% effective within 120 hours
- Copper IUD: More than 99% effective if placed within 5 days
Remember that these are effectiveness averages; individual results may vary. Based on my experience, the sooner you take the pill after an unprotected physical relationship, the better chance it has of preventing pregnancy.
Composition of Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Emergency Contraceptives contains – Active Ingredients
Their effectiveness depends on the active ingredients. There are two main types of ECPs:
- Levonorgestrel-based pills
- Ulipristal acetate
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen that has been incorporated into many birth control methods for decades. It is the most frequently used active ingredient in ECPs and is available without a prescription in many countries.
Ulipristal acetate is a recent compound that is a selective progesterone receptor modulator.
Here’s how those active ingredients stack up: emergency contraceptive pill composition
| Ingredient | Effectiveness | Prescription | Mechanism | Interaction with Hormonal Contraceptives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel | Up to 72 hours | OTC | Delays ovulation | None known |
| Ulipristal Acetate | Up to 120 hours | Prescription-only | Delays ovulation, may prevent implantation | May interfere with hormonal contraceptives |
Dosage Information – Emergency contraceptive pill levonorgestrel dose
Be sure to follow the dosage instructions exactly. Here’s what I usually recommend:
Levonorgestrel-based ECPs:
- Single 1.5 mg dose
- Alternatively, two 0.75 mg doses, spaced 12 hours apart
Ulipristal acetate-based ECPs:
- Single 30 mg dose
The pill(s) should be taken as soon as possible after an unprotected physical relationship. The sooner you do it, the more effective it will be. Keep in mind that these are not regular birth control methods and should not be used as such.
Comparison to standard birth control pills
Although they may look like regular birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are very different:
- Concentration of hormone: ECPs have far more concentration of hormones than normal pills.
- How often you use it: Regular birth control pills are taken every day, while ECPs are for emergency use only.
- Mechanism of action: Regular pills work mostly by preventing ovulation consistently, whereas ECPs work by delaying ovulation or preventing implantation.
- Side effects: Since ECPs use a higher concentration of hormones, they could have more pronounced side effects than standard pills.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Emergency Contraceptive Pills | Regular Birth Control Pills |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Emergency use only | Daily use |
| Hormone dosage | Higher | Lower |
| Effectiveness by cycle | 75-89% | 91-99% |
| Purpose | Stop pregnancy after unprotected sex | Prevent pregnancy consistently |
| Side effects | More severe but brief | Milder but possibly lasting |
We have defined key components of emergency contraceptive pills to help us understand how to use them! Now, let us examine some details on when to use the medication to make it most effective and safe.
Proper Usage Guidelines
When to take emergency contraceptives
Timing matters. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are recommended to be taken as soon as possible after an unprotected physical relationship or contraceptive failure. However, some ECPs can work if taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after physical activity.
The sooner you take the pill, the more effective it is. Here’s a snapshot of effectiveness by timing:
| Time after a physical relationship | Effectiveness |
| Within 24 hours | 95% |
| 24-48 hours | 85% |
| 48-72 hours | 75% |
| 72-120 hours | 58% |
How to use it, step by step – How to take emergency contraceptive pills
- Read the package insert carefully.
- Swallow the pill(s) with plenty of water.
- If the dosage is two, take the second pill 12 hours after the first (unless specifically instructed otherwise).
- Eat something bland to avoid feeling nauseous.
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Use a backup contraceptive method (like condoms) until your next period.
What to do if you vomit after taking the pill
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill:
- Take another dose immediately.
- Check with your doctor about whether you need a booster dose.
- Take an anti-nausea medication (if suggested by a medical professional) before the second dose.
- If vomiting persists, consider alternative methods like the copper IUD.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills Where to Buy
Over-the-counter availability
Emergency contraceptive pills are available over the counter in many countries. Here’s a quick guide to common brands:
| Brand | Active Ingredient | Availability |
| Plan B One-Step | Levonorgestrel | Yes |
| Take Action | Levonorgestrel | Yes |
| My Way | Levonorgestrel | Yes |
| Ella | Ulipristal acetate | Prescription-only |
| Unwanted-72 (India) | Levonorgestrel | Yes |
Online ordering options
Benefits of ordering online:
- Convenience: Buy from home.
- Privacy: Shipped discreetly.
- Broader selection: Access to various brands.
- Lower costs: Competitive pricing.
Ensure you’re ordering from a trusted source. Consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
Read more, 10 Reasons for Faint Line on Pregnancy Test
Emergency Contraceptive Pills Price in India
OTC options generally cost Rs 70 to Rs 120.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Examples of short-term side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
Rare but serious complications
- Severe abdominal pain
- Extremely heavy bleeding
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., trouble breathing)
Interactions with other medicines
| Medication | Interaction |
| Antibiotics | May reduce effectiveness |
| Anti-seizure medications | May work less effectively |
| St. John’s Wort | May decrease effectiveness |
| HIV medications | May be less effective |
| Antacids | Can interfere with the absorption |
Always inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking.
When to seek medical advice
Contact a healthcare provider if:
- You experience severe abdominal pain.
- Bleeding is excessively heavy.
- There are signs of an allergic reaction.
- Your period is over a week late.
Effects on Bleeding and Menstrual Cycle Patterns
Temporary shifts in menstrual flow
- Abnormal flow: Heavier or lighter than usual.
- Shorter or longer periods.
- Changes in blood consistency or color.
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Hormonal changes may cause spotting between periods.
Delayed or early periods
- The period may arrive a few days early or be delayed.
- If over a week late, take a pregnancy test.
Long-Term Considerations
Impact on Future Fertility
- ECPs do not have long-term effects on fertility.
- Fertility typically returns to normal within a few days to weeks.
Alternatives for ongoing protection
- Hormonal methods: Pills, patches, injections, rings.
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): IUDs, implants.
- Barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emergency contraceptive pills are a vital tool for preventing unwanted pregnancies but are not a substitute for regular contraception. Keep yourself updated and always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and long-term contraceptive solutions.
I hope this information will be helpful to you.
FAQ’S
Are emergency contraceptive pills 100% effective?
One or two out of every 100 women who take ECPs will get pregnant even though they took the pills 72 hours after engaging in unprotected physical activity. You don’t have to wait until the next morning to take ECPs, so the term, “morning-after pill” is a little misleading.
Will the morning after pill work if I have already ovulated?
If you’ve already ovulated, using the morning-after pill won’t prevent you from getting pregnant because it delays ovulation. It won’t stop a fertilized egg from implanting or terminating it. You can talk to your doctor about your options if you are pregnant.
Is it normal to bleed 1 week after the Unwanted 72 pill?
Between the time you take the pill and before your next period, you can have some irregular bleeding or spotting. Consult your doctor if the bleeding or spotting persists for more than a week. Your next period’s timing may also be impacted by the Unwanted 72 pill.
What does the emergency pill contain?
WHO recommends levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate, or combination oral contraceptives (COCs) that contain both levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol as emergency contraceptive pill regimens.
Are Plan B pills legal in India?
Levonorgestrel (progestogen alone) NG 0.75 mg is recommended as a “dedicated product” for effective emergency contraception in the Government of India’s Emergency Contraception Guidelines. Levonorgestrel is the only medication that the Drug Controller General of India has authorized for use as an ECP.