What is the emergency contraceptive pill?
This is a pill that is orally taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is also known as the morning after pill.
The emergency contraceptive pills are recommended to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex and 120 hours (5 days) in the case of ulipristal, although they are more effective the sooner they are taken after sexual intercourse.
Emergency contraceptive pills prevent up to 95% of pregnancies.
The emergency contraceptive pill regimens recommended by WHO are ulipristal acetate, levonorgestrel, or combined oral contraceptives (COCs) consisting of ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel.
How they work.
- They delay or suppress ovulation but don’t induce abortion; therefore if the pregnancy has already been implanted, the ECP cannot interrupt the developing embryo therefore it is advised that the pill should be taken in time to avoid pregnancy.
- They also work by preventing fertilization
Who can use the ECPs?
Any girl or woman of reproductive age
When can it be used?
- After unprotected sex
- Contraceptive failure
- Incorrect use of contraceptives
- Rapturing of the condom
Side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slight irregular vaginal bleeding
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Lower abdominal pain
Side effects are not common and usually resolve without further medication but if symptoms persist, kindly seek advice from your health care provider.
Important points to note
In case of vomiting within 2 hours after intake, it is advisable to take another dose.
ECPs may delay your period by up to a week but if you don’t get your period within 2 weeks take pregnancy test and seek further advice.
Reasons for emergency contraceptive pill failure.
- You did not take it soon enough
- You threw up after taking the pill
- High BMI: being obese reduces the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives.
Some examples of ECPs in Uganda include
- Postinor 2
- Back up
- Lydia
- P2
- Ipill
All these are available in any of our outlets or tap the link https://wa.me/+256708471069 for quick orders and deliveries.
Ref:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/emergency-contraception
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill
