Contraception. So many to choose from. No: 3 Emergency contraceptive pill
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex. You may decide to use emergency contraception if you didn’t use any contraception.
It is also called the morning-after pill. That’s a myth because you don’t have to take it the next morning; you can take it within the next 3 days. However, they work best if they are taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
They have the hormone progesterone which prevents the pregnancy from happening. Depending on the progesterone used it has a window of 3-5 days within which you can take it.
There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pill available. levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill and the Ulipristal acetate. Ulipristal acetate is slightly more effective than the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill. They are both available from the pharmacies without a prescription. (this may change depending on the country’s policy). Remember, no method of emergency contraception is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The emergency contraceptive pill will not protect against pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again in the same menstrual cycle. If you missed your period after taking the ECP, have a pregnancy test to confirm that you are not pregnant. You can discuss the pregnancy test with the pharmacist or a doctor.
ECP does not provide ongoing contraception and is more like a back-up plan. So talk to your doctor about having long term contraception. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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