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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: 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: 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: In general, the sooner you take the pill after having an unprotected physical relationship, the better it works.  Emergency Contraceptive Pill Effectiveness 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 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: Ulipristal acetate-based ECPs: 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: 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 What to do if you vomit after taking the pill If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill: 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: 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 Rare but serious complications 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: Effects on Bleeding and Menstrual Cycle Patterns Temporary shifts in menstrual flow Spotting or breakthrough bleeding Delayed or early periods Long-Term Considerations Impact on Future Fertility Alternatives for ongoing protection 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