15 complete, most basic questions about emergency contraception

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The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Yen - Obstetrician-Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Emergency contraception is used to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sex. This measure should only be used in an emergency. However, if you abuse emergency contraception, it can lead to serious effects on the body.

1. Who needs emergency contraception?

If you have had unprotected sex and do not want to get pregnant at the time of sex, you can use emergency contraception. Like other birth control methods, emergency contraception will prevent you from getting pregnant. The difference with this remedy is that you can use it after you have sex. Emergency contraceptive pills are different from those used to terminate a pregnancy.
Emergency contraception works well, but it is not a substitute for regular birth control. It provides better birth control, has fewer side effects, and is inexpensive. As the name of the measure suggests, emergency birth control is for emergencies only, not for use all the time.

2. What are emergency contraception options?

Most of the options for emergency contraception are pills. Examples include Ella (ulipristal acetate) and Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel.) Research shows that Plan B One-Step starts to lose effectiveness in women who weigh more than 75kg and this drug is also not recommended for use. for anyone over this weight range. Instead, the IUD is the recommended option for emergency contraception in this group.
There is also an IUD - a small device that a doctor places in the uterus. It acts as an emergency contraceptive.

3. How long after sex is emergency contraception still effective?

The relationship between the duration of intercourse and emergency contraception is related. Plan B One-Step and levonorgestrel work best if taken within 3 days of having sex. However, they can still be active up to 5 days after sex. Ella and the IUD can work up to 5 days after sex. However, the effect is only average. What's more, what's really important for effective contraception is where you're currently in your cycle. If you have sex when you are fertile, waiting a few days for emergency contraception may be too late. That's why experts say you should use it as soon as possible after having sex.

4. Where can this contraceptive be accessed?

Emergency contraception is available at pharmacies, health departments, women's health centers, and hospitals. Depending on your age, you probably won't need a prescription for most brands. However, if you use Ella, you will need a prescription from your doctor.

5. Can anyone buy over-the-counter emergency contraception?

In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed pharmacies to sell the emergency contraceptive pill Plan B One-Step without a prescription, without a prescription, without any restrictions. what age. But not all pharmacies sell it that way.
In addition, other over-the-counter emergency contraception, such as My Way and Next Choice One Dose, have age restrictions. For those under the age of 16, a doctor's prescription is required to use these drugs.
6. How much does emergency contraception cost? Prices for emergency contraception vary. One survey found that the average cost of Plan B One Step emergency contraception is $48. Or the slightly cheaper Levonorgestrel for $42. However, in reality, it is also possible to buy prices lower or higher than these numbers. If you have insurance, prescription drugs, the cost of these emergency contraceptives will be less.
7. What are the side effects of emergency contraception? Is it safe for users? Emergency contraception is safe. Most people do not have any side effects from the medication. But for some people there may be mild symptoms such as nausea , mild stomach upset and headache . If you have severe nausea you should see your doctor to be examined and given you a more suitable medication. Or, you may also have spotting, and your next period may come a few days earlier or later.
8. I vomited after taking the pill, am I protected? Emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause vomiting. As long as you vomit more than two hours after you take it, you'll still be protected. If you vomit within two hours of taking it, call your doctor or pharmacist for advice. You'll likely need to take medicine to clear your stomach and then take a second dose of emergency contraception.

9. If I am already pregnant and taking emergency contraception, will there be any effect? If you think you are pregnant, you should not use emergency contraception. The hormones in Plan B One-step or Levonorgestrel will not work at that time. Moreover, if you use Ella it will not be safe for you.
10. Does taking more than one emergency contraceptive improve the success rate of contraception? No. Because, one can block the effect of the other. It is recommended to use one and strictly follow the instructions.
11. How long can an emergency contraceptive pill last. Can I have sex more than once and still be protected? Be careful when using the drug. Because the pills can only delay ovulation, they do not prevent ovulation completely. If you have sex a second time, your chances of getting pregnant are higher. Therefore, you should choose another method of contraception to replace and ensure your safety.
12. Can I use emergency contraception more than once a month? You should only use Ella once in your cycle. You can use Plan B One-Step and Levonorgestrel no more than 2 times/cycle. But if you regularly want to prevent pregnancy, then you should use birth control regularly.
13. Is there a way I can use the Pill as often as I do emergency contraception? At higher doses, regular oral contraceptives with progesterone and estrogen can provide emergency contraception. But, you should ask your doctor before deciding to use it.
14. After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, when should I start using regular birth control again? If you use a condom, diaphragm, or some other type of birth control, start using it right away. If you take birth control pills or use the vaginal patch or ring, but have missed some doses, start using it the next day.
15. Will emergency contraception affect my fertility in the future? No. Emergency contraception does not affect your ability to have children in the future. If you have an IUD for emergency contraception, your doctor will need to remove it before you can get pregnant.
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Reference source: webmd.com