Emergency contraception

Sahana is extremely worried. She has miscalculated her dates and may have had intercourse during the fertile part of her cycle. She has not been using any contraceptive method to avoid a pregnancy. Her child is only 6 months old and she definitely does not want to be pregnant again. Sucharita is newly married. During intercourse, the condom slipped and she and her husband are very anxious because they are not ready for a pregnancy yet. Both Sahana and Sucharita need emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is used to prevent pregnancy after a woman has had unprotected intercourse. In other words, she has not used any contraceptive method to avoid a pregnancy.

Emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy by at least 75%. This means that only 2 out of 100 women will get pregnant, if emergency contraception is taken correctly within 72 hours after having unprotected intercourse.

Emergency birth control (also called "morning-after" contraception, emergency birth control, or backup birth control), has been available for more than 30 years. It contains hormones found in birth control pills and must be started within 72 hours, and no later than 120 hours, after unprotected intercourse. The sooner it is started, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy. EC prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation or fertilization.

Pills for emergency contraception

The two types of emergency contraception pills are combined birth control pills (containing estrogen and progestinhormones) and the progestin-only pills. The progestin-only method is more effective and is less likely to cause nausea. The hormones in both types of pills prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation, blocking fertilization or keeping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

Intrauterine device (IUD) for emergency contraception

An intrauterine device (IUD) can also be used for emergency contraception. The IUD works best if it is inserted within 5 days of having unprotected sex. The advantage of the IUD is that it can be left in place for the next five years and will continue to provide protection against pregnancy.