Emergency contraception, popularly known as the morning-after pill or post-coital contraception, is one method of contraception used after unprotected sex or when other methods of contraception have failed. This is a safe form of birth control with high efficacy in preventing pregnancy but shrouded by numerous misconceptions and misunderstandings. This paper will discuss everything that one needs to know about emergency contraception, including the way it works, its types available, the effectiveness, and legality.
How does emergency contraception work?
Emergency contraception works in several ways: first, it delays ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries; second, it thickens cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. In some cases, it can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, it is essential to note that emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Effectiveness of emergency contraception
The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on when it is taken. It is most effective when taken within 24 hours after unprotected sex, with a success rate of up to 95%. However, it can still be effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the effectiveness decreases with each passing day. It is not a reliable form of birth control and should only be used in emergency situations.
Types of emergency contraception
There are two types of emergency contraception available: emergency contraceptive pills and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The most common emergency contraceptive pill is Plan B, also known as the ‘morning-after pill.’ It contains a high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel and is available over the counter without a prescription. Another type of emergency contraceptive pill is Ella, which contains the hormone ulipristal acetate and requires a prescription. The copper IUD, also known as the ‘copper T,’ is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. It can be used as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex and can also serve as long-term birth control.
Is emergency contraception legal?
Emergency contraception is legal in most countries and is available over the counter without a prescription. However, there are some restrictions in certain countries, and it is important to check the laws and regulations in your area. In the United States, emergency contraception is available to individuals of any age without a prescription.
Benefits and risks of emergency contraception
The main benefit of emergency contraception is preventing an unplanned pregnancy. It can also be used in cases of sexual assault or when other forms of contraception fail. Additionally, it does not have any long-term effects on fertility. However, like any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with emergency contraception. These may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, and breast tenderness. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
Myths and misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding emergency contraception.
Myth 1: Emergency Contraception is the Same as the Abortion Pill
It is a widespread misconception that emergency contraception is equivalent to the abortion pill, which is sometimes referred to as RU-486 or mifepristone. In reality, this is not accurate. Emergency contraception operates by hindering pregnancy, whereas the abortion pill terminates an established pregnancy. Emergency contraception mainly functions by postponing ovulation or obstructing the sperm from reaching the egg, and on certain occasions, it may also inhibit the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Conversely, the abortion pill achieves its effects by obstructing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for the continuation of pregnancy.
Myth 2: Frequent Use of Emergency Contraception can Harm One’s Health or Fertility
Another common myth about emergency contraception is that frequent use can harm one’s health or fertility. However, this is not supported by scientific evidence. Emergency contraception is safe and does not have any long-term effects on fertility. While it is not recommended for regular use as a primary method of contraception, occasional use is not harmful to one’s health.
Myth 3: Emergency Contraception is Only Effective Within 24 Hours of Unprotected Sex
There is a misconception that emergency contraception must be taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex to be effective. While it is true that emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible, it can still be effective up to five days after unprotected sex, depending on the type of emergency contraception used. It is essential to seek accurate information from reliable sources about the different types of emergency contraception available and their effectiveness rates.
Myth 4: Emergency Contraception is Only Available With a Prescription
Another myth about emergency contraception is that it requires a prescription. While some types of emergency contraception, such as ulipristal acetate (Ella), do require a prescription, others, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), are available over-the-counter without a prescription. It is essential to know the different types of emergency contraception available and their accessibility in one’s area.
Conclusion: Emergency contraception is a safe method to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. It is not a reliable form of birth control and thus should be taken only in case of emergencies. There are basically two types of emergency contraception, and the differences between them, along with their effectiveness, have to be known. Emergency contraception is legal in most countries and does not affect fertility in the long term. Much like any medication, it can have some risks and side effects, though. Myths and misconceptions about emergency contraception have to be forwarded, and accurate information has to be sought from a health provider or some other good source. It thus provides an additional option for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and further management of fertility.
