When You Need Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) is not the substitute for regular birth control methods or abortion but, in fact, is the “emergency” option for women to avoid pregnancy after contraception failure, sexual assault or unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception, specially Progestin-only birth control pills like Plan B, are advised to women seeking immediate action to avoid pregnancy. Such pills are advised to rape victims and sexually assaulted women as well.
Emergency contraception pills are also known as “morning-after”, “EC” or “Postcoital Contraception” in medical terms. However, “morning-after” doesn’t mean that emergency contraception pills to be taken in the morning. It should be taken as prescribed.
Types of emergency contraception methods :
These are available in broadly three ways whereas two methods are in pill form and another is device known as intrauterine device. Two types of pills are progestin-only like Plan B and usual combined birth control pills (progestin and estrogen). Intrauterine device is also used as emergency contraception and suggested to women who are allergic to progestin or estrogen based pills. IUD as widely called is small, T shaped plastic device with a string attached to the end. It is inserted through cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A small string hangs down from IUD into the upper part of the vagina.
How Emergency contraception pills work?
Like other birth control pills, EC works by stopping ovulation (i.e release of eggs) and preventing sperm to meet with eggs for fertilization, hence there is no pregnancy.
When to take Emergency contraception?
EC must be taken as soon as the unprotected intercourse has occurred. Progestin-only pills like Plan B contraceptive pills are available in two tablets. One pill must be taken immediately followed by next with 12 hours apart. Though EC pills can be taken upto 5 days i.e 120 hours, however, Progestin-only pills like Plan B are effective for upto 3 days i.e 72 hours.
Its effectiveness after unprotected sex can be judged as below.
- 95% effective if taken within 24 hours
- 85% effective if taken between 24 to 48 hours
- 58% effective between 49 to 72 hours
In case, more than 72 hours have passed of unprotected sex then it is highly recommended to use the IUD (intrauterine device) after consulting with your physician because after 72 hours, your contraceptive pills might be failed.
Who should seek Emergency contraception help :
Well, it is designed for emergency relief from getting pregnant. Women can take EC if
- contraception methods are failed like condom is broken or slipped off during intercourse, ring is removed or diaphragm, cap or any protection is removed.
- women think that she had intercourse during “ovulation days”. These are most crucial days as the chances of becoming pregnant are very high.
- women are sexually abused, raped or forced to go for unprotected intercourse.
Being the time sensitive, two important factors will determine the effectiveness of emergency contraception success and those are
- how soon woman takes it after the unprotected intercourse has occurred.
- if she has another unprotected intercourse in the same menstrual cycle.
The above article is for general information on emergency contraception requirements and should not be taken as medical advice. If it is so, please consult your doctor or physician for treatment purpose.
You may also visit at birth control pills and Plan B birth control to know more about the general information on emergency contraception and other birth control methods. The above article is for general information on emergency contraception and should not be taken as medical advice. If it is so, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional for treatment purpose.
About the Author
Linda Crowford is an author for many successful articles and ebooks written on women's health, birth control, pregnancy issues and human relationship specially romance, dating, marriage.divorce. She is also associated with birth control pills and Plan B birth control. She gives helpful advices to her clients on birth control and oral contraceptive methods.
Problems With Iuds
What makes the intrauterine device (IUD) a convenient contraceptive? Aside from being highly effective when used properly, this device does not interrupt intercourse and has long-lasting contraceptive effects.
"For the woman who can use an IUD, the advantages are great because she does not have to worry about contraception each day. The effectiveness rate is high, with only about a five percent chance of pregnancy," according to the editors of Consumer Guide's “Family Health & Medical Guide.”
But things can go wrong for several reasons. If the IUD is not inserted correctly, pregnancy can occur. And the bad part is that IUD users who become pregnant are likely to miscarry. Pregnancy among IUD users also increases the chances of infection, premature delivery and stillbirth.
To avoid this, the IUD comes with a small string which the wearer can use to make sure the device is in place. The string also helps the physician in removing the device. Some women can't tolerate the IUD and it may be expelled during menstruation. Although many women can feel this happening, others may not. This can create problems later.
"To reduce the already small risk of getting pregnant with an IUD, make sure that whoever inserts it has experience performing the procedure and check regularly to be sure the lUD's string 'tail' is dangling into the vaginal canal. Between 2 percent and 20 percent of lUDs are expelled in the first year, sometimes without any pain. Any time you can't locate the string or have prolonged cramping, heavy bleeding, pain or fever, you should consult your doctor immediately," warned Deborah Franklin in Health magazine.
There are other reasons why women can't use the IUD even if it is inserted properly. For one, the very act of insertion can be a painful experience. This is true for women who have never had children and wish to use this contraceptive method. This was revealed by Dr. Raphael Jewelewicz, associate clinical professor of psychiatry, in “The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide.”
"Sometimes a doctor or family planning specialist will inject a painkiller into the cervix just before insertion. Pain may persist for 24 to 48 hours afterward and there may be a slight blood flow after insertion. The first period following insertion may be particularly heavy," he said.
"Severe menstrual cramps and increased menstrual bleeding may follow the insertion of an IUD. Sometimes these side effects lessen after a month or two. In other cases, severe cramps and prolonged bleeding continue and the physician may advise removal of the IUD," added the editors of Consumer Guide's “Family Health & Medical Guide.”
The worst that can happen to IUD users are pelvic infections that can lead to sterility and ectopic pregnancy. The latter is a life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants itself in the Fallopian tube rather than the uterus. Because IUDs may make aggravate sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), women who have an active pelvic infection or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease should avoid this device and switch to other birth control methods instead. (Tomorrow: Natural family planning methods.)
To enjoy sex in your later years, keep fit, eat right and love life. That simple advice can go a long way in preserving your sex life. For extra help, take Fematril, a safe and natural female sexual enhancer that can stimulate your mind and body. For details, go to http://www.fematril.com/.
About the Author
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com.
Getting Pregnant Iud Place
Frequent Questions...
Can you get pregnant with an IUD in place?
I had my Mirena IUD placed in March 07 I had my period for April and May and it is now June no period. I never been irregular before.Ive used Iud's in the past and NEVER had this problem. I know the stats say that periods can disappear after 1 yr of use, I only had it 3 months! Any suggestions anyone?
Answer:
yes,,,,,, its still not 100%......... just like any other form of birth control. even with an IUD, there is still a chance of tubal pregnancy,,
