Emergency Contraception: Understanding the Basics

Accidents happen—whether it’s a broken condom, missed birth control pills, or unprotected sex. But don’t worry; the "morning-after" pill can help prevent an unplanned pregnancy when things don’t go as planned.

Unlike regular birth control pills, emergency contraceptive pills are specifically designed to reduce the chances of pregnancy after an incident. So, what exactly is the morning-after pill, how does it work, and when should you use it?

This guide will answer all your questions and provide the essential information to handle unexpected situations confidently.

Let’s explore everything you should know about emergency contraceptive pills.

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. 

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 in emergencies, such as a contraceptive failure, missed birth control pills, or a condom break. It contains levonorgestrel, which delays ovulation and prevents fertilisation by ensuring no eggs are released for sperm to fertilise.

For maximum effectiveness, take the i-Pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours. While it remains effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse, its efficacy decreases with time. The i-Pill is a single-dose tablet to be taken with water; no additional dosage is needed.

It is important to note that the i-Pill is not an abortion pill and should not be taken if you are already pregnant. Also, while it helps prevent pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it should not be used as a substitute for condoms during intercourse.

Remember, the i-Pill is a backup method for emergencies and should not be relied upon as a regular form of contraception.

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 are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The earlier you take them, the better. Ideally, take the "morning-after" pill within 24 hours of sex, but it can still be effective up to 72 hours (3 days) afterwards. It’s important to note that emergency contraceptive pills are ineffective if taken more than 96 hours after intercourse.

Additionally, a woman’s weight can influence the effectiveness of the pill. If your weight is under 70 kg, the pill has an efficacy of around 98%. However, if your weight exceeds 70 kg, a copper IUD is a more effective option for emergency contraception.

It is not recommended to take a double dose of the emergency contraceptive pill, regardless of weight. There is no research supporting the efficacy or safety of a double dose.

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.