Emergency contraception

Emergency contraceptives pills (ECPs) are described as drugs that work by either inhibiting or delaying ovulation without affecting implantation. 

Hormonal contraceptives are available as pills (oral contraceptives), injections, implants, intrauterine devices, patches, and vaginal rings

In what situations can emergency contraception be used?

• When no contraceptive has been used.
• Sexual assault when the woman was not protected by an effective contraceptive method.
• When there is concern of possible contraceptive failure, from improper or incorrect use, such as:
• EC pills are not meant to be used as a regular form of contraception and should not replace the use of regular contraceptive methods. Additionally, EC does not prevent against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
• condom breakage, slippage, or incorrect use;
• 3 or more consecutively missed combined oral contraceptive pills or 3 days late during the first week of the cycle;
• more than 3 hours late from the usual time of intake of the progestogen-only pill (minipill), or more than 27 hours after the previous pill;
• more than 12 hours late from the usual time of intake of the desogestrel-containing pill (0.75 mg) or more than 36 hours after the previous pill;
• more than 2 weeks late for the norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) progestogen-only injection;
• more than 4 weeks late for the depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) progestogen-only injection;
• more than 7 days late for the combined injectable contraceptive (CIC);
• dislodgment, breakage, tearing, or early removal of a diaphragm or cervical cap;
• failed withdrawal (e.g. ejaculation in the vagina or on external genitalia);
• failure of a spermicide tablet or film to melt before intercourse;
• miscalculation of the abstinence period, or failure to abstain or use a barrier method on the fertile days of the cycle when using fertility awareness based methods; or
• expulsion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) or hormonal contraceptive implant.
• EC is meant to be used in cases of unprotected intercourse or in situations in which problems with regular contraceptive methods have occurred, such as when a condom breaks or a dose of oral contraceptive pills is skipped

• Methods of emergency contraception

  The 4 methods of emergency contraception are:

  • ECPs containing UPA
  • Emergency Contraceptive Pills
  The ECP is taken after unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. There are two different types of ECP,  Levonorgestrel -ECP (LNG-ECP) and  Ulipristal acetate (UPA)

  • he ECP is used to prevent a pregnancy that may occur because of:

    • Forgotten contraception or a missed oral contraceptive
    • Failed contraception (for example, a condom broke, a diaphragm was dislodged, or the expulsion of an IUD or implant)
    • Failed withdrawal
    • Starting an oral contraceptive too late in your cycle.
    • When to Take Them?
    •  • As soon as possible after unprotected sex. The sooner ECPs are taken after unprotected sex, the better they prevent pregnancy. • Can help to prevent pregnancy when taken any time up to 5 days after unprotected sex
    • Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks
    • Nausea‡ • Abdominal pain • Fatigue • Headaches • Breast tenderness • Dizziness
  slight irregular vaginal bleeding,
  
  
• combined oral contraceptive pills
• The combined pill contains two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen.

• HOW DOES IT WORK?

  Oestrogen and progestogen stop eggs developing, so no egg is released from the ovary.

• copper-bearing intrauterine devices.
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