EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES

Dear Jessica, why are you always popping Postinor 2 everyday after coitus with the love of your life. Why do you have a Postinor 2 pharmacy in your cupboard. 

Yes, I am here to judge you Emergency contraceptive is birth control measure that is used after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives are used after unprotected sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptives can be used when: unprotected sex, Contraceptive failure, condom breaking during coitus, missed dose of daily oral contraceptive, failed withdrawal, dislodgement of cervical cap or diaphragm etc

• Sexual assault and incorrect use of contraceptive. 

Emergency contraceptives work by preventing or delaying Ovulation, hence preventing the sperm from meeting any egg to be fertilised. Emergency contraceptives cannot abort an already fertilised egg. This means, Emergency contraceptives cannot affect an already fertilised egg. 

Morning after pills and copper IUD are the two Common types of emergency contraceptives. It can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. Intrauterine devices IUD are a major type of contraceptive, however copper IUD are used as emergency contraceptive. Copper IUD are known to be very effective. The copper in the IUD releases sperm into the uterus and fallopian tube which prevents sperm from reaching the egg thereby preventimg occurrence of pregnancy. It can be used as the main contraceptive after initial emergency use. 

The most accessible and commonly used one is the pill also known as morning after pills Emergency contraceptive pills work by releasing high level hormones to prevent pregnancy. They must be taken typically within 72hours of unprotected sex depending on the type of medication. 

Every woman of child bearing age can use emergency contraceptives. However, just like every other education emergency contraceptives have their side effects. 

Emergency contraceptives are not routine contraceptives. They are to be used on emergency basis when the routine contraceptive fails. As a sexually active female, it is important to explore other longterm contraceptives so as not to perpetually abuse the emergency pills. Abuse of emergency contraceptives can lead to side effects such as menstrual irregularities, acne, moods wings etc