Emergency Contraception: Understanding the Basics

An emergency contraceptive pill, also called the 'morning after' pill, is designed to reduce the chances of getting an unplanned pregnancy. Life is full of mysteries and unexpected turning points, as many things do not always go as planned. Whether it’s a broken condom, missed birth control pills, or unprotected sex, don’t worry—the "morning-after" pill is here to help prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptive pills are not the same as regular birth control pills. Unlike the latter, they are designed specifically to prevent unplanned pregnancies in emergency situations. But what exactly is a contraceptive pill? How does it work, and when should you use it?

This guide is here to answer all your questions and provide a clear understanding of the "morning-after" pill. By learning the essential details, you can feel informed, empowered, and prepared to handle unexpected situations confidently. Let’s explore everything you need to know about contraceptive pills and how they can help when it matters most.

The "morning after" pill is an emergency contraceptive method. It is intended for use after unprotected sex or if your usual birth control method fails. The pill works primarily by delaying ovulation, ensuring that no eggs are released for fertilisation. Some types also make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg, further reducing the chance of pregnancy.

It’s important to remember that emergency contraception is a backup plan, not a substitute for regular birth control methods. Two main types of emergency contraceptive pills are available: Levonorgestrel, which can be purchased without a prescription, and Ulipristal acetate, which requires a prescription.

While effective, the "morning-after" pill can cause some side effects, including nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and changes to your menstrual cycle, such as delayed periods. These side effects are typically mild and temporary. Keep in mind that this pill is specifically designed for emergency use and should not be relied upon as a regular form of birth control.

i-Pill Emergency Contraceptive Pill Tablet

i-Pill is the most common oral contraceptive pill, available in many countries. The i-Pill Emergency Contraceptive Pill Tablet is used to prevent pregnancy in emergencies like a regular contraceptive failure, missed birth control pills, or a condom break. If you need an emergency option to prevent pregnancy, take the i-Pill within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Remember that the i-Pill is not an abortion tablet. Please do not take this pill if you are already pregnant.

i-Pill contains levonorgestrel, which is a hormone that is commonly used in emergency contraceptive pills. This hormone helps prevent unplanned pregnancy by delaying ovulation, so there will be no fertilisation in the absence of eggs. This is one of the best contraceptive pills that works effectively when taken as early as possible after having unprotected sex. It is better to take within 24 hours after the intercourse. As per the details mentioned on the product, it works even after 72 hours (3 days).

The i-Pill is a single-dose tablet, and should be taken with water. There is no need for an additional dosage. Remember that it is efficient in preventing pregnancy, but it does not give any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Please do not substitute this medicine for a condom during intercourse.

Emergency contraceptive pills work efficiently if you take them immediately after having unprotected intercourse. The efficiency of the "morning after" pill depends on how early you took it after the sex. Within 24 hours after sex is the best time, but it works efficiently up to 72 hours i.e. 3 days after unprotected pregnancy. Also, it is important to remember these contraceptive pills will not work if you take them after 96 hours of intercourse.

On a side note, a woman's weight can also affect the efficiency of contraceptive pills. If the weight of the woman is less than 70 kg, then the contraceptive pill works 98% positively. If the weight is over 70 kg, then the copper IUD contraceptive method is more effective.

It is not recommended to take a double dose of the emergency contraceptive pill if you are over 70 kg or in any other circumstance. There are no studies or research available to substantiate a double dosage.

Contraceptive pills are a lifesaver during emergencies when your regular birth control methods fail. However, you should take some precautions if you choose to take these "morning after" pills.

• Use the contraceptive only for emergencies as it contains a high dosage of hormones for birth control.
• The efficiency of the pill depends on the timing you follow. The sooner you take the pill the more efficiently it works. Remember to take the pill as early as possible after unprotected sex.
• If you haven't got your period within three weeks after taking the pill, do a pregnancy test to check the efficacy.
• If you vomit within 3 hours after taking the pill, take one more pill as it can reduce the absorbency and effectiveness. It is best to consult your doctor in such cases.
• Do not take these contraceptive pills if you are allergic to them.
• Remember that emergency contraceptive pills can't avoid pregnancies with 100% efficiency and they can't abort if you are already pregnant.

Emergency contraceptives or the "morning after" pill helps in preventing unwanted pregnancy when regular contraceptives fail or you miss your birth control dose. However, these are not regular contraceptive pills, use them only during emergencies as they contain high dosages of hormones. Unnecessary usage of emergency contraceptives may lead to hormonal imbalances and other problems.