Emergency Contraception (Morning-after Pill, IUD) - GK

26 April, 2021  |  Holy Winter - Healthcare Writer

After having unprotected sex, emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception can also be used in case conventional contraception methods such as condoms or birth control pills have failed to work.

However, emergency contraception does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases and is also not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Thus using condoms during sex is still recommended as the safest sex practice and may even be used in tandem with other contraceptive measures. But for those instances where condom use was either overlooked or failed to work, emergency contraception is the best option to prevent unwanted pregnancies from occurring.

There are two main types of emergency contraceptive methods. The first one is the emergency contraceptive pill, also known as the ‘morning-after’ pill. The second method is to install the intrauterine device (IUD) in the uterus directly.

There are two varieties of the emergency contraceptive pill. One needs to be taken within 3 days after having unprotected sex (Levonelle), and the other needs to be taken within 5 days (ellaOne) for it to be effective.

An IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. However, the earlier the emergency contraceptive can be used, the better. An IUD can safely be left inside the person’s body and is designed to be used as a regular contraceptive for future sexual intercourse.

While there are no severe side effects to using either form of emergency contraceptive, the pill can cause a mild stomach ache or a headache, and an IUD can cause some discomfort or pain. If either contraceptive causes any high degree of nausea, vomiting, or pain, consult with your doctor or a licensed medical professional or clinic as you may need to adjust your dose or have a new IUD fitted.

The emergency contraceptive pill comes in two types.

Levonelle

Levonelle is a pill containing levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of progesterone—a hormone naturally produced in the ovaries. The science behind taking the drug is that it prevents or delays ovulation—the process by which a person’s body releases an egg for fertilization. Levonelle needs to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Keep in mind that this pill won’t interfere with your regular contraception method, and using a condom in tandem with the drug is still recommended as the safest sex practice to prevent any unwanted pregnancies from occurring.

ellaOne

ellaOne is the second emergency contraception pill that is widely used. It contains ulipristal acetate, which is a medicine that prevents the hormone progesterone from behaving like it usually should. Like Levonelle, this also works to stop or delay an egg’s release. 

ellaOne needs to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of having intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Again, like Levonelle, ellaOne is not recommended as a regular method of contraception and is designed to be used in cases where condom use was either absent or if the condom was damaged during intercourse. 

Having sex after taking either pill won’t prevent pregnancy, and neither pill is intended to be used as a main source of contraceptive. However, if necessary, either pill may be used more than once under the same menstrual cycle.

Who Can Use The Pill?

The pills are designed to be used by women of all ages, even underage women who may have had unprotected sex with their partners. The pill can also be used by women who are unable to use normal forms of hormonal birth control pills or the birth control patch. It can also be taken by those who are actively breastfeeding a child. While some of the pill contents may stream into the breast milk, it will not adversely affect either the person taking the pill or the baby.

The emergency contraceptive does not induce any hormonal imbalance or change. Instead, it prevents the body from releasing an egg during ovulation. Emergency contraception can be used by anyone who may have otherwise been adversely affected by the change in hormones induced by the normal form of the birth control pill.

However, suppose a person has severe allergies, asthma, or is taking medication that may adversely interact with the emergency contraception, they may not be able to use the pills as intended.

Medication may have an adverse reaction with the emergency contraception pill, including HIV, epilepsy, tuberculosis, and acid reflux medication (such as omeprazole). Some uncommonly prescribed antibiotics (such as rifampicin or rifabutin) might also cause a reaction. 

Please consult your doctor or a licensed medical professional if you are using any of the above-listed medications.

IUD

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device implanted into the womb by trained professionals to release copper into one’s bloodstream, preventing their egg from being fertilized.

The IUD can be implanted up to 5 days after sex and can be left inside as a regular form of contraception. The IUD is the most effective form of contraception in that less than 1% of those who use it get pregnant. While it is a more invasive and time-consuming procedure, the IUD is still the most effective form of emergency contraception for preventing pregnancies and has a higher success rate than emergency contraceptive pills.

Who Can Use an IUD?

Most people can use the IUD, including those who may have otherwise been unable to use the emergency contraceptive pill due to allergies or HIV. You may be asked for your medical history by your nurse or doctor when requesting an IUD to be sure that your body will be able to accept the IUD once installed.

The doctor may deny a request for an IUD if the person has an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) or has physical limitations or problems in the womb or uterus. These limitations could either prevent the doctor from performing the procedure or cause unintended physical harm if the doctor were to proceed.

The emergency IUD will not react to any medications that you may be taking and is intended to be left inside one’s body to be used as their standard form of contraception once installed.

IUD Side Effects

Some side effects can befall a person interested in getting an IUD. For some, this may cause a prolonged and more painful menstruation cycle. There is a risk that the IUD may exit the body, which needs to be considered before getting an IUD.

Where to Get the Morning After Pill

You can get the Levonelle and ellaOne pills from iQ Doctor’s online pharmacy. iQ Doctor has other health products relating to sexual health, COVID testing, and other medical products and services.

Stay safe and responsible, use protection and practise safe sex measures where and when you can.