【Most Popular】What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Emergency Contraceptive Pills? How Do You Use Them?

 

 

How to use emergency contraceptive pills correctly?

Originally referred to as "Contraceptive after sex," Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are the most convenient and popular method of birth control after sex. This group of drugs works by affecting sex hormones and has since been renamed for the correct understanding and use of the medication.

 

Most popular contractive pill

In the oral pill group, there are several types of hormones available: estrogen-only, progesterone-only, combined hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and Danasol. However, the most common and widely available hormones are progesterone-only and combined hormones.

  1. Progesterone Pill

also known as Postinor, contains one main active ingredient

  • Levonorgestrel, 0.75 mg per tablet size
  • Take 2 times a day
  • 12 hours apart
  • and must be eaten within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

The most common side effects of this type of contraception are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and menstrual irregularities, which may occur earlier or later than expected. Occasionally, minimal bleeding may be noticed.

 

If the menstrual period is weak or absent after taking this medication, it is important to determine whether it is a result of the drug or if pregnancy has occurred. If prevention is not possible, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is increased.

 

  1. Combination Hormone Pills

 

also known as Yuzpe uses 0.1 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg of Levonorgestrel
 

  • Take 2 separate doses
  • 12 hours apart, with food taken within 72 hours.

 

This method is popular worldwide, including in the United States and Europe, though it has been known to cause more side effects than the first method. Unfortunately, it is not available in Thailand, as there are no companies that produce and market it directly.

 

How is it different from abortion?

Many people mistakenly believe that taking these pills will lead to a miscarriage. However, this is not the case as there are multiple mechanisms in place to prevent pregnancy. These pills do not cause the implanted embryo to be aborted or detached.

Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that there may be several mechanisms involved, such as blocking the fertilization of sperm and eggs, inhibiting ovulation, or affecting the work of the corpus luteum.

 

When is it used and indications?

Regular birth control pills should be used over emergency contraception pills, as their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is greater. Emergency contraception pills should only be used in cases of emergency necessity.

 

The effectiveness of protection against unintended pregnancy is highly variable, ranging from 58-95%. This range is dependent on proper use and the length of time the protection is used. Research has found that the sooner protection is taken after unprotected intercourse, the better the chances of it being effective. If protection is taken within the first 24 hours of intercourse, the effectiveness is significantly increased.

 

It has been observed that taking more than the prescribed dosage does not give any additional benefit, but it can lead to more side effects.

 

Indications for this group of drugs include:

  1. Unintentional sex and no use of birth control
  2. If you forget to take the contraceptive pill for more than three days, you may be at risk of an unintended pregnancy due to the decreased effectiveness of the contraceptive method.
  3. Forget to inject contraceptives or the condom leaks or breaks.
  4. Being raped.

 

Prohibition

Already pregnant or if there are other reasons not to take hormones.

 

In summary

Emergency contraceptive pills can be a useful tool to help prevent pregnancy, but they should only be used as a last resort and with proper instructions on how to use them. Users should be aware of potential side effects and use them responsibly, ensuring that they are used only when absolutely necessary.

 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Thank you www.thaiclinic.com for information.