Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse.

ECPs help to prevent pregnancy when taken up to 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse. Although the sooner they are taken, the more effective they are.

Clients may be most fertile soon after taking ECPs so long-term contraception must be discussed.

ECPs are safe for all clients as they are only used for a short period of time.

ECPs can be used more than once in the same cycle. The same ECP regimen that has already been used should be repeated if EC is needed again within a five-day period.

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Emergency Contraceptive Pills delay ovulation?

After unprotected sexual intercourse sperm last 5 days in the upper genital tract before they die.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills can be given to delay or prevent ovulation until the sperm are dead.

While the sperm are in the genital tract, there will be no egg to fertilise, as the release of the egg has been delayed.

If it’s been more than 5 days) 120 hours) since the client last had unprotected sexual intercourse the sperm will be dead (unless an egg has been fertilised). Therefore, in these cases, there is no point in giving Emergency Contraceptive Pills.

Emergency contraceptive pills which is available in MSI (Levonorgestrel (LNG)

Dose: 0.75 mg that give two tablet at the same time.

Should be taken within 5 days ( 120 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Be started immediately, and a backup method should be used for the first 7 days.

Who Can Use Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is an option for a couple if:

• A condom breaks or slips off.
• A hormonal method is used incorrectly (for example, birth control pills are missed for 2 days in a row)
• ECPs are also available to young women who are forced to have unprotected sex.

Advantages of emergency contraception

• The emergency contraceptive pill is easy to take, can be taken by most people and is quite easy to get hold of because it can be prescribed for free by any doctor and many nurses.
• It does not have any long-term side effects and is very safe.
• There are no known effects on babies if they are born after emergency contraception has failed.

Side effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

• Slight irregular bleeding for 1 – 2 days
• Monthly period starts earlier or later than expected.
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and/or vomiting (If client vomits within three hours, they should take another dose)
• Side effects of ECPs are not harmful and generally resolve within 24 hours.