Birth control is a very important issue in reproductive health and family planning. It is basically the methods and techniques used to prevent pregnancy. Various birth control measures include hormonal, barrier, and natural methods. Of these, emergency contraception is a last resort contraceptive measure commonly known as the “morning-after pill.” The emergency contraceptive is adopted after unprotected sexual intercourse, or some other measure of birth control has failed. This paper provides an overview of the emergency contraceptive measures available, types, effectiveness, availability, and controversies relating to the use of the measure.
Types of Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can be divided into two main types: emergency contraceptive pills and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the “morning-after pill,” are taken orally and work by preventing or delaying ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. These pills contain a high dose of the hormone progestin or a combination of progestin and estrogen. There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills: dedicated emergency contraceptive pills and daily birth control pills. Dedicated emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B, are specifically designed for use as emergency contraception. Daily birth control pills, on the other hand, can be used as emergency contraception if taken in higher doses than the regular daily dose.
The copper IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. It works by preventing fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg. The copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse and can also serve as a long-term birth control method for up to 10 years.
Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception
The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on the type of method used and how soon it is taken after unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex, with effectiveness rates of about 75-89%. The copper IUD, on the other hand, is the most effective form of emergency contraception, with a success rate of over 99%. This makes the copper IUD the most reliable option for emergency contraception, especially for those who have had unprotected sex multiple times in a menstrual cycle or have a history of contraceptive failure.
Availability of Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is available over-the-counter without a prescription for individuals 17 years and older. Adolescents younger than 17 can obtain emergency contraception with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Emergency contraceptive pills are available at most pharmacies and clinics, while the copper IUD can only be inserted by a healthcare provider. Some states in the U.S. have laws that allow pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception without a prescription, making it more accessible for individuals who may not have access to a healthcare provider.
Controversies Surrounding Emergency Contraception
EC and Abortion
Some opponents of EC argue that it is a form of abortion as it may prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. However, this claim lacks scientific evidence. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, EC works primarily by preventing ovulation or fertilization, not by terminating an existing pregnancy (ACOG, 2020). The two most commonly used EC methods, levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate, primarily work by inhibiting or delaying ovulation (Trussell et al., 2014).
Moreover, the likelihood of EC preventing implantation is minimal. A fertilized egg, or zygote, has to travel down the fallopian tube and implant in the uterus to establish a pregnancy. EC must be taken within 120 hours (for levonorgestrel) or 12 hours (for ulipristal acetate) of unprotected sex to be effective (ACOG, 2020). By this time, the zygote has already passed through the fallopian tube, making implantation prevention highly unlikely.
EC and Sexual Behavior
Another controversy surrounding EC is its potential impact on sexual behavior. Some argue that the availability of EC may lead to riskier sexual behavior and increase the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, studies have shown that EC does not increase sexual risk-taking behavior or decrease condom use (Hereklitou et al., 2015).
EC can be obtained over-the-counter without a prescription, making it accessible to women who need it. However, the accessibility of EC does not necessarily lead to increased sexual risk-taking behavior. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that the provision of EC did not lead to an increase in sexual activity, risky sexual behavior, or STI rates among young women (Hereklitou et al., 2015).
Conclusion
Emergency contraception is one of the safe and effective measures for preventing unwanted pregnancy. It comes in the form of emergency contraceptive pills and copper IUDs, each of which has its own degree of effectiveness. Much as it is readily available, emergency contraception is still a controversial issue, and debate ranges from its effectiveness in changing high-risk sexual behavior to abortion. Individuals need education on emergency contraception to help guard against unwanted pregnancy and promote reproductive health. Much the same way, health professionals ought to be conversant with emergency contraception and offer non-judgmental care that ensures confidentiality to all clientele in need of it. Furthermore, more research and education are needed to rectify these misconceptions to ensure safe and effective use of emergency contraception.
